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Occurrence of the grasshopper pest Zonocerus variegatus (L.) (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) in south-western Nigeria in relation to the wet and dry seasons

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

W. W. Page
W. W. Page
Affiliation:
Centre for Overseas Pest Research, College House, Wrights Lane, London W8 5SJ, UK
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Abstract

An investigation into the seasonal abundance of Zonocerus variegatus (L.) around Ibadan, Nigeria, showed that hatching occurs between October and March and peak abundance is in late November. Adults occur almost throughout the year. Oviposition takes place between March and October or possibly November, with a peak in April. Eggs laid in March and April hatch in October and November after a diapause, while those laid from June onwards do not appear to enter diapause. Thus eggs laid in June and July hatch at the same time as those laid in March and April. Parasitism by the sargophagid fly Blaesoxipha filipjevi (Rod.) during March and April results in a rapid decline in adult numbers which may be followed by a secondary peak in adult numbers when nymphs, which are present at the same time and are rarely parasitised, reach adult stage. Oviposition resulting from such a peak does not produce a secondary peak in hatching as this coincides with hatching from earlier layings. The fungus Entomophthora grylli plays an important role in controlling the abundance of nymphs and adults during the dry season despite the intermittent nature of the attacks. During the wet season, the fungus is able to germinate and disperse more readily, thus keeping the numbers of the insects low. It is concluded that there is one generation of Z. variegatus a year, with a peak in population coinciding with the dry season (November-March). It is suggested from the results that the grasshopper may have originated in the semi-arid zones of the north.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 70 , Issue 4 , December 1980 , pp. 621 - 633
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1980

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