ISSN 2375-091X
African Journal of Tropical Agriculture ISSN 2375-091X Vol. 6 (9), pp. 001-003, September, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Short Communication
Aspect of the biology of Rastrococcus sp. (Hemiptera: Psuedococcidae) on Acalypha hispida in southern guinea savanna of Nigeria
Akintola A. J.1* and Ande A.T.2
1Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology P.M.B. 4000
2Department of Zoology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
Accepted 26 March, 2018
Abstract
The biology and description of various developmental stages of the mealybug found on the green acalypha plant in Ogbomoso, Southern Guinea Savanna was evaluated. The study shows that the stylets of the 1st and 3rd instars as well as adult stages are straight while that of the 2nd instar is somewhat coiled up. Furthermore, identification key chart was prepared using the characters which are peculiar to each instar. The third instar can be identified using the tip of abdomen that is broad with inconspicuous setae and body length that is 13 mm. The adult stage is peculiar with its tip of abdomen which is narrow with 2 short setae and a body length usually 13 mm.
Key words: Acalypha, antenna, instar, Rastroccocus, savanna, stylet.