Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 May 2012
A reduviid predator, Pristhesancus papuensis Stål, was introduced into South. Carolina from Australia in 1979. Its life history is described. Under laboratory conditions, the average number of eggs per mass was 80. Mean incubation time was 15.6 days at 27 °C. Females deposited an average of 568 eggs in 7.7 masses during their adult lifespan of 124 days. Average male longevity was significantly less (93 days) than that of females (124 days). A preoviposition period of 33.5 days was required, and a single mating was sufficient to insure fertilization during the egg-laying period. Developmental time was determined for each immature stage at 27 °C. Five immature stages and adults are described and illustrated.