Development,fecundity and morphological characteristics of the predatory Eocanthecona furcellata（Wolff）

【Objective】To determine the developmental duration and fecundity of Eocanthecona furcellata(Wolff)from egg to adult and to compare the main morphological distinguishing characteristics of the various insect states of E. furcellata,so as to provide theoretical support for propagation and development of biocontrol potential of E. furcellata.【Method】Under laboratory conditions,E. furcellata collected in Yuanjiang County of Yunnan Province and propagated for more than six generations in the laboratory were taken as the research object.Growth and development indexes(egg hatching rate,nymph survival rate and development period from egg to adult)of the bugs were determined by single-head feeding in petri dish method,and the characteristics of adult fecundity were determined by paired co-culture of males and females in the feeding box.In addition,the main morphological characteristics of each insect state were compared using microscopic photography system.【Result】The average developmental period from eggs to adults of E. furcellata was 29.00±1.41 d,the egg period was 8.00±0.21 d,and the nymph period was 19.76±0.12 d.The average developmental period from 1^st to 5^th instar was 3.24-5.38 d,the egg hatching rate was 92.91%,and the nymphs survive rate was 80.21%.The average lifespans of the female and male adults were 35.40±1.96 d and 37.40±2.65 d respectively.After mating,the number of times of egg production was 4.73±2.01 times,up to 9 times,at least 2 times and the average pre-oviposition stage was 7.87±2.75 d,and the spawning period lasted 14.33±5.13 d.The single fecundity of each female adult mating with a male adult was 59.46±15.77 eggs,and the single fecundity of the female adult without mating was 29.34±15.31 eggs,which were invalid eggs and could not be hatched.Eggs of E. furcellata were short cupshaped or cylindric,with egg caps and 10~12 prickles on the edge and metallic luster;1^stto 5^thinstar nymphs were often red and black,antennae of the nymphs were 4 segments.The 1^st instar nymphs had obvious white rings at the end of 2^nd and 3^rd segments of antennae and dark red beaks,its length was close to body length and it has wingless buds.The 2^nd instar nymphs with flat protruding anterior head segment,antennal ring turned red,and beak was black.The 3^rd instar nymphs had obvious red rings at the end of 2^nd and 3^rd segments of antennae and the beak length was half of body length.The beak of the 4^th instar nymph was half as long as the body,and with marked punctures on chest,the wing buds extending to the end of the chest.The 5^thinstar nymphs with dark red beaks,and the beak length was shorter than half body length,middle and hind feet had white spots in middle part,wing buds reaching to the 3^rd segment of abdomen.Adults’body usually were yellowish-brown and dark-brown-mixed,with dense punctures,and their abdomen had 5 segments,and their beak was yellowish-brown and the last segment of black,beak length of half of the body length,the lateral angle of the anterior thoracodorsal plate was prominent as a sword fork,male abdomen nearly triangular and female abdomen was oval.【Conclusion】The developmental period,fecundity and no parthenogenesis phenomenon of E. furcellata are clarified.The beak color,length and wing bud developmental stage are the main characteristics for distinguishing E. furcellata morphology.