A new rearing method of spittlebug (Homoptera: Cercopidae)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1678-3921.pab1984.v19.16109Keywords:
Deois sp., biologiaAbstract
Two new types of rearing cages for pasture pest spittlebug are described. Individuals of Deois sp. collected at Caraguatatuba, near the coast in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, were reared with success in Campinas, SP, Brazil. It was possible to obtain viable eggs as well as the development of the nymphs and adults all year around. With small adaptations if necessary, this method is effective for laboratory rearing of other species of spittlebug, even at times of the year when these species do not occur naturally in the region. The rearing cages are maintained at open air exposed to the sun; inside of them a virgin couple is left to reproduce; the handling is kept to a minimum possible. The nymphs were able to survive in temperatures near 0°C, indicating that among the limiting environmental factors for the survival of Deois sp. the temperature must play a role less important than humidity. The obtained results are considered very satisfactory when compared to other known methods. This method has been shown as an effective way to mantain spittlebug population for biological and genetic studies as well as to carry out bioassays with pathogens and chemical insecticides.