Abstract

In this study, some biological aspects of Lygaeus equestris (L.) (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae) were examined in laboratory conditions (26±1 o C, 60±10 % rh, 16:8 L:D). Mean egg production during the oviposition period was 63.1 eggs/female. The oviposition period lasted 5.6 days. Incubation period was 7.3 days and egg hatchability was 73.1 %. Nymphal development was completed in 24 days, while the development of the first nyphal stage was completed in 4 days, the second, third, fourth and fifth nymphal stages required 2.7, 3.1, 4.7 and 9.5 days, respectively. Total development time from egg to adult was assessed as 31.1 days.