The effect of food and water on development, longevity, and fecundity in the Rutherglen bug, Nysius vinitor (Hemiptera : Lygaeidae)

Abstract

N. vinitor subsists primarily upon the seeds of various plants. A wide range of seeds was found to be suitable for nymphal development, but some seeds were more suitable than others. Seeds suited for nymphal growth were not necessarily adequate for egg production. Some seeds promoted higher fecundity than others when used as food for adults. Nutritional requirements for fecundity appeared to be more specific than for development. Egg production was dependent mainly on the food consumed by the adult and was little affected by nymphal diet which, however, influenced potential egg production if obviously inadequate for nymphal development. Survival of females with access to water was uninfluenced by availability of food, but food was essential for egg production. Starvation decreased potential reproduction of females. Lack of water, even for a short period, stopped egg production and increased mortality.