The Biology of Antiteuchus innocens (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) under Field Conditions

Abstract

Antiteuchus innocens Engleman & Rolston (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) feeds on several species of pines in the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. The biology and ecology of this species in pine ecosystems is unknown. In this paper, information concerning the life cycle of A. innocens is presented with the objective of providing information that elucidates its role as a pest of pines. Our field observations verified that the first adults of A. innocens typically appear by Apr of each year and reach the highest abundance in May. Afterwards, adults decrease gradually and are undetectable by Nov. Egg masses are laid on abaxial regions of primary branches, and on female strobili of pines. Following egg-hatching, the female remains with its brood, presumably for maternal care. We determined that A. innocens is an oligophagous species, feeding on Pinus oocarpa Shiede, Pinus maximinoi H.E. Moore, and Pinus devoniana Lindley (all Pinaceae). This species is univoltine under the climatic conditions of Chiapas, with a life cycle of about 310 d from egg to adult. Juvenile development of A. innocens is as follows (mean ± SE): 8 (0.66), 8 (0.92), 41 (7.5), 79 (8.1), 122 (5.9), and 52 (6.9) d for egg incubation, first, second, third, fourth, and fifth instar, respectively. The longevity of adults was estimated as 54 d. The longest duration (> 4 mo) of A. innocens occurred in the fourth instar, suggesting the possibility of diapause in this instar; however, this was not verified.