Morphology, development and reproduction of <em>Atractomorpha acutipennis</em> (Guérin-Méneville, 1844) (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae)

• Published in: Tropical Zoology
• Main Authors: Sévilor Kekeunou, Marcelle Mbadjoun-Nziké, Alain Christel Wandji, Steve Bernard Soh-Baleba, Alfiery Laurel Djomnang-Nkwala, Alain Simeu-Noutchom, Charly Oumarou-Ngoute, Philene Corine Aude Um-Nyobe, Linda Gaelle Guiadem-Simo, Patrick Ntonga Akono
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: PAGEPress Publications 2020-12-01
• Subjects: Grasshopper; nymphal development instars; Manihot esculenta
• Online Access: https://pagepress.org/biology/tz/article/view/81
• ISSN: 0394-6975; 1970-9528

For a better knowledge of Atractomorpha acutipennis bio-ecology and to facilitate its identification, we studied the morphology, development and reproduction of this grasshopper on Manihot esculenta under laboratory conditions. Five hundred and fifty-one first nymphal stages obtained in the laboratory were reared in cages. Some body parts allowed a clear identification of different nymphal instars. Post-embryonic development passed through six stages (males) and seven stages (females). Mean nymphal development time was 17.14 ± 0.62, 12.91 ± 0.62, 13.45 ± 0.69, 13.80 ± 0.68, 15.23 ± 0.55 days respectively in males nymphal instars 1 to 5 and 16.18 ± 0.54, 13.13 ± 0.59, 12.49 ± 0.42, 13.19 ± 0.58, 14.58 ± 0.61, 16.57 ± 0.68 days respectively, in females nymphal instars 1 to 6. Adult females deposited an average of 3.67 ± 2 egg pods each comprising 30.77 ± 10.5 eggs. First mating was observed 18 ± 15.42 days after the last moult. Oviposition occured on average 19.33± 5.33 days after the first mating. This study provides important information about the biology of A. acutipennis, which could help in developing control methods against this grasshopper in southern Cameroon.