Description o Nymphal Instars of Chrysocoris stolli Wolf (Heteroptera_Pentatomidae Scutellerinae)

ABSETRACT Chrysocoris stolli Wolf (Heteroptera- Pentatomidae-Scutellerinae) is a phytosuecivorous bug, which infests Cassia occidentalies, Croton sparisiflorum, Pennisetum typhoides, (Bajra) and Litchi chinensis at Saharanpur in good number and by its desapping habit causes considerable loss to these plants of economic value. The first food plant of this bug is Cassia occidentalies, (Kasaundi) (Leguminasae) (This plant is grown throughout India and it is useful in ringworm, elephantiasis and scorpion sting. The leaves are tasty, aphrodisiac, lexeteric, cure cough, Asthma, Kafka and vita. It is also used for stoma chic cure, Fridosha, fevers, sore throat and biliousness (Ayurveda). Nymphal period Nymphs of Chrysocoris stolli develop gradually and nymphal period starts soon after emergence. The first instr nymph after hatching undergoes five moults before emerging into adult. It has been noticed that all the nymphs are active feeder 27 and feed gregariously on the water soaked Bajra seeds and leaves of Cassia occidentalies, Litchi and Croton, etc in laboratory while in field on the host plant only. The duration of nymphal periods varies from 37 to 48 days with an average of 39 days depending upon the temperature, R. H. , food and other climatic factors (Table- 1) The maximum length of time for first nymphal instar is of 11 days and the minimum 5 days. The average period for 150 individuals is calculated as 8.05 days. Seven days are required as minimum period and 13 days as maximum period for IInd instar nymphs. Average period being 9.08 days for 150 individuals. A minimum of 7 days and maximum 13 days are required for 3rd instr to moult. An average ecdysis period of 10 days is calculated for 150 individuals. The 4th instar required 8 days as minimum and 15 days, as maximum period in rainy season and 11 days as an average period for 150 individuals. The fifth instar takes 9 days as minimum period and 16 days as maximum period with 13 days as an average moulting period for 150 specimens. Key words NYMPHAL INSTARS OF Chrysocoris stolli Wolf