Studies on the Biological Characteristics of Cantheconidea furcellata (Wolff) (Hemiptera:Pentatomidae,Asopinae)

The biological characteristics of Canthconidea furcellata, an important predator in black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) forest,were observed through artificial rearing on caged branches in forests.Results showed that,in rearing trials,there were three uncompleted generations a year in Changtai County,Fujian Province in Southern China,with adults of the second generation overwintering.The first instar nymphs were gregarious and fed on tree sap only;2～5 instar nymphs and adults predated various caterpillars,but were rarely sap sucking.Tests also indicated that eggs laid by a female in her life circle were 88～168.The overall mean egg stage was 9.06 days;nymph stage lasted 21.3 days in overall mean ranging from 20～26 days in rearing trials.The longevity of adult bugs of the first generation varied from 6 to 72 days,with 29.5 days on average.Nymphs of the third generation all died before winter,mostly in the 2nd and 3rd instar.