Host and Pest Relationship, Host Specificity and Orientation Towards Food of Physopelta schlanbuschii (Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoroidea: Largidae)

Physopelta schlanbuschii, a phytosuccivorous bug fed mainly on Trivea nudiflora bark and seeds and provided fat, carbohydrate and some amount of protein to the bug. Besides this, bug population feeds on other host plants to meet the demand of water, minerals and amino acids. Food preference studies revealed that among a good number of food plants, it had preferential feeding on T. nudiflora. Different instars and adult oriented towards food source differently. During orientation towards food, antennal movements performed continuously. Sensory setae of rostrum and gustatory organs in cibarium helped in testifying the food. Feeding process lasted for 15–30 minutes with an average of 20 minutes.