Biology and feeding behaviour of Helopeltis antonii (hemiptera: Miridae) on Singapore cherry (Muntingia calabura) -a refuge host

Studies on biology of the H. antonii revealed that egg incubation period and nymphal development period ranged from 5-8 and 10-12 days, respectively. The duration of first, second, third, fourth and fifth nymphal instars were 2-3, 1-2, 1-3, 2-3 and 3-4 days, respectively. The male lived for 13-19 days, while female lived for 18-19 days, respectively. Fecundity varied from 41-53 eggs per female. Pre-oviposition, oviposition and post- oviposition period varied from 4-6, 13-16 and 3-7days, respectively. The percent survival rate was higher for first and second nymphal instars and abridged during third, fourth and fifth nymphal instar stages. The pest preferred tender fruits than flushing shoots. Fully ripen fruits were not favoured.