Bionomia e biologia de Paulinia acuminata (De Geer) 1773, (Orthoptera: Pauliniidae) em um lago de várzea da Amazônia Central

Abstract

Paulinia acuminata (Orthoptera, Pauliniidae) completes its life cycle on aquatic macrophytes (Salvinia spp. and Pistia stratiotes). The grasshoppes populations are strongly regulated by the oscilations in water level, presenting highest densities during the flood period and least desnsities during the dry season. P. acuminata phenology was studied areas where host plants accur. P acuminata proved to be selective in terms of food, during 12 months by means of monthy sampling in accepting 5 items out of 20 which were offered. Ovoposition was obeserved only on Salvinaceae and Pistia stratiotes (Araceae). Mean incubation period of the eggs was 18, 7 days with na average of 7,6 eggs per ooteca. P acuminata completed six nymphal instars in aproximatly 47, I2 days. The development of P. acuminata in non-laboratory conditions discussed, as well as its potentials ls for biological control of aquatic macrophytes .