Biology and postembryonic development of Ommatissus binotatus Fieber, a pest of the dwarf palm in Sicily (Insecta, Homoptera, Auchenorrhyncha, Tropiduchidae)

Abstract

The five immature stages of Ommatissus binotatus Fieber are described and illustrated. The main characters that allow us to easily distinguish the various stages are emphasized. Moreover, data are given on the biology of this species and on the phytophathological aspects resulting from the activity of this tropiduchid on the host plant. O. binotatus, in Sicily, is monophagous species on Chamaerops humilis L.. It is univoltinr and overwinters in the egg stage. The distinctive characters between the fifth instar nymphs of O. lofouensis Muir and O. binotatus Fiber are also made evident.