Studies on the biology of the mango flea weevil Rhynchaenus mangiferae Marshall (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).
Vishakantaiah M.
Author Affiliation: Entomology Department, University of Agricultural Sciences, Hebbal, Bangalore-560024, Karnataka, India.
Mysore Journal of Agricultural Sciences 10 : 318-331
Abstract : An account is given of laboratory and field studies carried out in Karnataka, India, during 1967-68 on the biology of Rhynchaenus mangiferae Mshl., an important pest of mango. Descriptions are given of all stages. Both larvae and adults caused damage to leaves. The incidence of the pest was high during the 2 major flushing seasons of mango, January-March and May-July. Raspuri was the most susceptible variety to attack. The egg, larval (which consisted of 4 instars) and pupal stages, and life-span of adult males and females lasted 2.75, 5.5, 3.33, 32-45 and 23-34 days, respectively. The oviposition period lasted 5-7 days, and females laid an average total of 16 eggs each. Cirrospilus sp. was found as an external parasite of larvae, percentage parasitism ranging from 12 to 86 during the major flushing seasons.