|
|
| St. Andrew's cotton stainer is one species of a pantropical group of Pyrrhocorid bugs that feed almost exclusively on seeds of Thespecia populnea, a non-agricultural tree found along shoreline areas. To determine if a lab population of D. andreae could be sustained on alternative food, an experimental study was initiated in which broods were divided after the first molt into two groups and fed exclusively either Thespecia seeds or those of commercially available cotton (Gossypium). Videography was used to record development from the second instar through adult stages. Measurements of body size from these video records show that bugs reared on cotton seed grew significantly (P<0.01) larger (both total body length and width) and faster than their Thespecia-fed broodmates. Cotton fed individuals also reached adult emergence five days more quickly than those fed on the native seed (mean age at emergence: cotton-fed =39.45 days, Thespecia-fed =44.05 days, P < 0.001). |
hgrau@cnu.edu