Biology of Some Oxycarenus Species (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae) in Southern Ghana

Abstract

The biology of three species of Oxycarenus found in Southern Ghana has been studied. Their host plants are listed and host preferences examined. The seasonal population changes of two species have been followed. The natural enemies and d e fen s iv e mechanisms have been studied. A detailed description of the immature stages of the three Oxycarenus species has been given for the first time and keys furnished to distinguish all the larval stages as well as the adults. Growth patterns were studied and the relationship between measurements of successive in stars is discussed.