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African Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 1 (2), pp.
021-023, September 2006
© 2006 Academic Journals
Short
Communication
Aspect of the biology of Rastrococcus sp. (Hemiptera:
Psuedococcidae) on Acalypha hispida in southern guinea savanna of
Nigeria
Akintola
A. J.1* and Ande A.T.2
1Department
of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
P.M.B. 4000
2Department
of Zoology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
*Corresponding authors E-mail:
johnakintola2004@yahoo.com
Accepted 26
August, 2006 |
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The
biology and description of various developmental stages of the mealybug
found on the green acalypha plant in Ogbomoso, Southern Guinea Savanna was
evaluated. The study shows that the stylets of the 1st and 3rd
instars as well as adult stages are straight while that of the 2nd instar
is somewhat coiled up. Furthermore, identification key chart was prepared
using the characters which are peculiar to each instar. The third instar
can be identified using the tip of abdomen that is broad with
inconspicuous setae and body length that is ≤ 13 mm. The adult stage is
peculiar with its tip of abdomen which is narrow with 2 short setae and a
body length usually 13 mm.
Key
words:
Acalypha, antenna, instar, Rastroccocus, savanna, stylet. |
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