The Biology of Black Ladybug (Paraeucosmetus Pallicornis Dallas): A New Pest on Rice in Southeast Sulawesi

Black ladybug, Paraeucosmetus pallicornis (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) is considered as a new pest and new problem on rice that is widely dispersed in Southeast Sulawesi. This causes the rice grains tend to be bitter in taste, prone to be broken and unpalatable for human consumption. The objective of the research was to study the life cycle (biology) of black ladybugs. The experiment was conducted by collecting the insects and then cultured in the laboratory. Series of observation on their biological characteristics such as length, width and wing span were undertaken since the insects lay eggs, hatch, and becoming new insects. The results showed that male and female body length were 7.32 mm and 7.41 mm respectively. A female began to lay eggs on the third day with around 167.200 eggs with a hatchability of 61.56%. Eggs were laid randomly or 2 to 4 eggs per group. The eggs are milky white color and oval with 1.41 mm in length, 0.38 mm in width and egg stadium of 7.15 days. At nymphs stage there were five instars: the first instar was 4.40 days, the second 2.99 days, the third 2.60 days, the fourth 3.60 days and the fifth 5.20 days. The life cycle of female and male bugs were 49.80 and 68.60 days respectively. The findings on the life cycle of the black ladybugs will be useful information in designing an eco-friendly pest control strategy.