Field studies on the biology and economic importance of Psalydolytta spp. (Coleoptera: Meloidae: Meloinae) in Mali, West Africa
Abstract
An account is given detailing some aspects of the biology and economic importance of Psalydolytta pilipes Maklin in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) fields in north-west Mali. Descriptions of the triungulin larval stage, together with drawings of larval development from the first grub stage to the coarctate larval stage, are given for two Psalydolytta species, P. pilipes and P. vestita Dufour. First grub phase larvae were successfully reared through to coarctates from eggs obtained from field captured adult beetles, on egg-pods obtained from a selection of commonly occurring grasshopper species. Yield losses resulting from cage trial experiments showed that whole millet candles can be destroyed during one night's feeding at densities approaching 12 beetles per head.
Citation
Bulletin of Entomological Research (1994) 84 (4) 493-502 [DOI: 10.1017/S0007485300032727]