Developmental Biology of an Exotic Scale, Acutaspis albopicta (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)

Acutaspis albopicta (Cockerell) is one of seven exotic scale species detected on shipments of ‘Hass’ avocados entering California from Mexico. Here, we present the results of experiments to elucidate basic life history parameters of this species. The scale only reproduces sexually with unmated femal...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of economic entomology 2012-12, Vol.105 (6), p.2035-2044
Main Authors: Waterworth, Rebeccah A, Robinson, Lindsay J, Morse, Joseph G, Millar, Jocelyn G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
adults
Animals
avocado
avocados
Biological and medical sciences
Control
developmental biology
Diaspididae
eggs
Female
females
Fertility
fruits
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Generalities
heat sums
Hemiptera
Hemiptera - growth & development
HORTICULTURAL ENTOMOLOGY
Humidity
instars
invasive species
life history
Longevity
Male
males
Phytopathology. Animal pests. Plant and forest protection
progeny
Protozoa. Invertebrates
Reproduction, Asexual
Temperature
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Summary:Acutaspis albopicta (Cockerell) is one of seven exotic scale species detected on shipments of ‘Hass’ avocados entering California from Mexico. Here, we present the results of experiments to elucidate basic life history parameters of this species. The scale only reproduces sexually with unmated females producing no offspring. Unmated females survived up to 14 wk after settling on host fruits, whereas males survived for up to 62 h, with the majority dying within 46 h after emergence. Females laid a mean of 52.0 ± 2.8 eggs (range, 5–171 eggs). Lower humidity (50%) was detrimental to the survival of male scales compared with high humidity (75%), especially during the pupal stage. The optimal temperature for development of both sexes was 25°C. At this temperature, females developed from first instars to adults in ≈28 d, whereas males emerged from their pupal cases after ≈37 d. The adjusted lower developmental thresholds for females and males were 13.2 and 13.4°C, respectively. The upper developmental threshold for both females and males was ≈32°C. Total development from first instar to adult female was 329 degree days and to emerged male, 433 degree days.
ISSN:0022-0493
1938-291X
0022-0493
DOI:10.1603/EC12198