Phenology of oviposition and reproductive behaviour of the invasive plant hopper Scolypopa australis (Walker) (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae)

Passionvine hopper, Scolypopa australis (Walker)(PVH) (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) is a serious pest of kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) grown in New Zealand. Production is affected by the sooty mould fungi that grow on honeydew-covered fruits. PVH have a one-year lifecycle, with eggs as the longest-lived and overwintering stage. Some aspects of the lifecycle of PVH such as adult reproductive behaviour remain relatively poorly known. The aim of this study was to determine when egg laying occurred in wild PVH populations in the Bay of Plenty, the main kiwifruit production region in New Zealand. PVH oviposition was determined using balsa wood sticks at four sites over four years. Eggs were laid between mid-summer and mid-autumn with peak oviposition from mid-March to mid-April. After a 1–2- week pre-oviposition period, females laid on average 794 eggs when caged in a group with males and provided with a choice of host plants. Longevity of females was on average 5.6 weeks with the longest-lived 21 weeks old. Females were synovigenic and appear capable of rapid oocyte development and laying batches of eggs more than once a week. Mating occurred predominantly after dusk; oviposition increased after dusk but was also observed throughout the day. This study provides new information on the reproductive behaviour of PVH that is important for understanding the ecology of the population and developing management options involving adult behaviour.