Rearing technique and biology of spittlebug Deois incompleta on Brachiaria

Abstract

A technique for rearing Deois incompleta nymphs on Brachiaria humidicola in the screenhouse was developed in Belém, Pará, Brazil. Use of the method for two years afforded incubation periods of eggs averaging 12.9 days, with average viability of 63.5%. The viability of the nymphal stage was 20.5%. The highest mortality rate was observed in the first instar (73.2%). The preoviposition period averaged 3.47 days, and that of oviposition 1.94 days, with practically no post-oviposition period. Average number of eggs was 18.12 per female, the great majority of which were laid during the first three egg-laying days.