Ecotypic variation in the biology of Acanthaspis quinquespinosa Fabricius 1781 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Reduviinae) from peninsular India

Abstract

The development, oviposition pattern and morphometrics of the reduviid predator Acanthaspis quinquespinosa Fab. was studied in relation to the different habitats it inhabits (tropical rainforest, scrubjungle
and semiarid zones). Populations inhabiting tropical rainforest were larger, had shorter developmental, pre-ovipositional and incubation periods and longer adult longevity, together with higher fecundity and hatch ability.