Email:
pk_1280@yahoo.co.in
Address:
Entomology Research Lab., Department of Zoology, M.S. College, Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh)
Hibernation, Lantana camara, Migration, Seasonal cycle, Teleonemia scrupulosa
Teleonemia scrupulosa Stal. is a potential biocontrol agent of Lantana. The weed and bug T. scrupulosa occurred throughout the year at Saharanpur. Bug population decreased during July – August due to rain at temperature ranging from 23.32 to 33.20°C and R.H. 71.64 to 95.82%. Population increased during September to November at temperature 10.35 to 32.62°C and R.H. 32.42 to 93.97%. T. scrupulosa did not hibernate or aestivate during winter months of December to mid February. Its population decreases and found in clusters on ventral side of leaves. In an aggregation, 3–20 bugs were seen. Both local and distant flights were taken. When the plants of one habitat were destroyed or dry up, the adults migrated to other places. During sunny days, bugs fed on dorsal surface of leaves, stem and on inflorescence in morning and evening hours but due to mid day heat of May and June, these migrated to ventral side of leaves