Suitability of physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) as single host plant for the leaf-footed bug Leptoglossus zonatus Dallas (Het., Coreidae)

The leaf-footed bug Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas) (Het., Coreidae) was reared in Nicaragua on a diet consisting of unripe physic nut ( Jatropha curcas L., Euphorbiaceae) fruit only. The suitability of this host plant is described by the mortalities in the developmental stages from egg to adult, which are presented in a life table, and the durations of the different stages. Pre-oviposition time, number of ovipositions and total number of eggs per female are given. Biometric measurements of all instars were made. Protein, oil and water content of fresh physic nut fruit were measured throughout a whole year. The results show that physic nut is a highly suitable host plant, which can maintain populations of this insect pest throughout the whole year as fruit are constantly present with only little fluctuation in their nutritional quality.