Studies were carried out aiming to develop a laboratory rearing technique for Cerotoma arcuatus Olivier. For larvae rearing, soybean and bean seedlings grown on vermiculite substrate were used. Viability and duration of larva-adult period were evaluated. In the adult phase, the egg-laying capacity under temperatures of 20°C, 25°C and 30°C as well as the feeding preference on soybean, bean, cowpea and pumpkin leaves were evaluated through free choice, double choice and no choice tests. Soybean seedlins grown on vermiculIte was the most adequate substrate for rearing C. arcuatus. Insects reared on bean seedlings had the viability of the larva-adult period reduced. Egg laying capacity was not affected by rearing substrate or temperature. As the temperature increased a higher percentage of females that did not oviposit as well as a more concentrated oviposition rhythm were observed. C. arcuatus adults preferred soybean, bean and pumpkin leaves as compared to cowpea leaves. The use of soybean seedlings grown on vermiculite for the immature phases and soybean leaves for the adults made possible the continuous rearing of C. arcuatus in the laboratory.
Insecta; soybean pest; biology
