Growth and Feeding in Two Species of Machaerotidae (Homoptera).

Abstract

Serial sections were used to show that the nymphs of both Pectinariophyes stalii (Spangberg) and Chaetophyes compacta (Wlk.) feed on xylem sap of their food-plants, which are species of Eucalyptus in Australia. The sap is used to derive general nutrients and calcium ions which are used in the construction of their calcareous dwelling tube. The two species live in similar habitats, but their life-histories differ markedly. Females of both species laid eggs on new shoots in early summer in Queensland; P. stalii took 6 weeks to develop and overwintered as an adult, whereas C. compacta took 40 weeks and overwintered as a juvenile. The different rates of growth and nutrient and calcium uptake are discussed in relation to observed differences in damage to the host-tree.