Paratriphleps Laeviusculus, A Phytophagous Anthocorid New to the United States (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae)

Abstract

Paratriphleps laeviusculus Champion, a small phytophagous anthocorid, or flowerbug, lives primarily within the flowers of a single host, the sapodilla, Manilkara zapotilla (Jacq.) Gilly. It was first noted by the junior author in 1966 at the University of Florida Agricultural Research and Education Center, Homestead, Florida. This is the first record of this insect within the United States. Adult females lay most of their elongate, opalescent eggs into the outer surface of the sapodilla flower buds in a narrow area at the junction of the calyx and stem. Eggs hatch in 3 or 4 days and nymphs complete their development within the blooms. In the laboratory at 27 @+ 1@*C, the nymphal durations were: first instar-2.5, second-1.3, third -1.6, fourth-2.5, and fifth-4.5 days, for an average nymphal duration of 12.4 days. The female preovipositional period is approximately 4 days. The immature stages are described.