Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 July 2009
The larva of Apomecyna binunila Pasc. is a stem-borer of cucurbits in South Africa and the Sudan. In the latter country its known distribution lies between the 12° and 20° parallels of latitude. A description of the morphology of adult, larve and pupa is given. Observations on the life-history reveal a very short development period of approximately 35 days from oviposition to adult emergence. The host range is restricted to sweer and water melon. Damage is only serious where larval populations are high and the vascular tissues are destroyed. With smaller infestations (two to three larvae per 10 cm. of stem) vascular continuity is not seriously interrupted. Reference is made to Iphiaulax sp. (BRACONIDAE), the first record of a parasite from this beetle. The larva is parasitic on larvae of Apomecyna.