The developmental biology of Amblypelta lutescens lutescens Distant (Heteroptera: Coreidae) on selected tropical crops in Australia, with reference to environmentally compatible control methods.

Abstract

Fruitspotting bugs were first mentioned as a pest in Australia in 1926 (VEITCH, 1926). Veitch & Simmonds (1929) reported Amb6pelta lutescens lutescens (as Pendulinus lutescens Distant) and Ambfypelta nitida Stal (as Pendu!im,s fuscescens Distant) (Heteroptera: Coreidae) being a serious problem on papaya ( commonly called papaw in Australia) (Carica papaya Linnaeus) in the Rockhampton district. They have subsequently been recorded from more than 26 crop hosts in this country, with many ornamental plants attacked as well.
The banana-spotting bug Ambfypefta !utescens futescens (Distant) (Heteroptera: Coreidae) is one of the most important pests of tree fruit and nut crops in tropical and near tropical Australia.