Life history and laboratory rearing of a western U.S.A. hemipteran, Macrovelia hornii (Macroveliidae)

Abstract

The field life history of Macrovelia hornii Uhler was studied periodically from 1990 through early 1994 in central Colorado near Waterton in Douglas County. The bug also was reared in the laboratory from egg to adult. Adults of this apparently univoltine species overwintered and became active in late January. Copulation was noted occasionally from early March to early June. Eggs were found periodically from mid-February to mid-August and always were glued to moss attached to damp or dry rocks. First through third instars were collected first in early May, fourth instars in early June. Higher percentages of later instars were found as the season progressed. The bug was reared in the laboratory on adults of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen under a 14L: 10D photoperiod at 18.3 ± 1.5°C. The incubation period averaged 17.4 days. Durations of the four subsequent stadia averaged 8.3, 7.9, 8.5, and 13.1 days, respectively.