Pseudotheraptus wayi
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Author(s): J.P. Egonyu
Source: Journal of Insect Science 13:91
Pseudotheraptus wayi Brown, 1955
This bug feeds on young developing coconuts (causing nut shedding or deformation) and other crops like cashew in eastern and southern Africa. More than 90% of developing coconuts have been found damaged in some areas, and damage between 50% and 80% have been reported on crops like cashew nuts, avocado or guava. The development from egg, through 5 larval stages, to mature adult lasts around 5-6 weeks. The adult is about 12 mm long (excluding the antennae) and has a brownish colour.
For control, insecticides have been used in crops like avocado. However, pesticide residues on the fruits is a problem. The red weaver ant, Oecophylla longinoda, is an effective natural enemy of the bug. It can be promoted by methods like tying coconut leaves of neighbouring palms together, in order to create bridges for the ants.
- Other images of Pseudotheraptus wayi (Journal of Insect Science - click to enlarge)
2nd (left) and 3rd instar (right) - scale = 1 mm
female - scale = 2 mm
