Compared biology of Selenaspidus articulatus (Morgan) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in Citrus sinensis varieties and in Citrullus silvestris

The biology of Selenaspidus articulatus (Morgan) was studied in four Citrus sinensis varieties (Hamlin, Natal, Pêra and Valencia) in comparison with factitious host Citrullus silvestris, a cucurbit used for the species maintenance in other countries and recently introduced into Brazil. The scale was better developed in 'Hamlin', with a high fixing capacity, making the cycle shorter and providing high survival in the period. Both for males and females, 'Natal' and 'Pêra' behaved as intermediaries, and 'Valencia' was less adequate to the insect's development. Although C. silvestris provided an extension of the cycle regarding the citrus varieties, comparable only to 'Valencia' as to female development, this cucurbit can be recommended for the maintenance of the species in laboratory, because it is long lasting (three months to one year), it is easily handled, with a wide surface to be scale-infested, and the survival is comparable to that achieved in the four studied citrus varieties.

Insecta; rearing technique; scale; citrus pest