Biology of Riptortus pedestris F. (Coreidae, Hemiptera), a pest of Cowpea

Abstract

Studies on the biology of Riptortu.s pedestris F. ((Coreidae, Hemiptera) infesting pods of Cowpea have shown that the adults mate 2 to 3 days after emergence and egg 12 to 13 days thence. A female lays about 115 eggs, during an oviposition period of 30 days. The duration of the egg and nymph are about 4 and 16 days respectively. The Adult lives for 45 to 47 days. The nymphs and adults damage pea pods by sucking juice out of the fully formed seeds, which as a result Shrivel up and become discoloured. Tender pods when attacked fail to develop fully.