Longevity of Adult Cotton Fleahoppers (Hemiptera: Miridae) on Various Diets

Laboratory colonies of cotton fleahoppers, Pseudatomoscelis seriatus (Reuter), are typically reared on a combination of green beans (Phaseolus spp.) and slices of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.).  Although both food items can be readily obtained and are inexpensive, potato slices usually have to be replaced more frequently than green beans.  Thus, the use of potato slices increases the opportunity for fleahoppers to escape and/or to be damaged during food replacement.  We compared the longevities of adult fleahoppers maintained exclusively on green beans with those maintained on green beans and slices of potato.  Additionally, longevities of adults on cotton plants and of those without access to any food (control group) were examined for comparison.  Based on preliminary observations, the use of potato slices appears to be unnecessary.