Bionomics of Aphid, Uroleucon compositae Theobald infesting Safflower

The average length of first, second, third and fourth instar nymphs was 0.91 ± 0.17, 1.22 ± 0.22, 1.57 ± 0.28 and 2.78 ± 0.51, respectively; whereas breadth was 0.47 ± 0.086, 0.65 ± 0.12, 0.86 + 0.16 and 0.93 ± 0.17 mm, respectively. The length of cornicles and cauda of first, second, third and fourth instar nymph was 0.16 ± 0.03, 0.30 ± 0.05, 0.42 ± 0.08 and 0.71 ± 0.13 mm; and 0.03 ± 0.005, 0.10 ± 0.02, 0.17 ± 0.03 and 0.38 ± 0.07 mm, respectively. The average length of antennae of first, second, third and fourth instar nymph was 0.87 ± 0.13, 1.27 ± 0.16, 1.47 ± 0.27 and 2.54 ± 0.46 mm, respectively. The average length of fore, middle and hind leg of nymph was: 0.70 ± 0.15, 0.82 ± 0.17 and 0.95 ± 0.16 mm, first instar; 0.88 ± 0.18, 0.97 ± 0.22 and 1.22 ± 0.23 mm, second instar; 0.94 ± 0.17, 1.16 ± 0.21 and 1.55 ± 0.28 mm, third instar; and 1.54 ± 0.28, 1.80 ± 0.33 and 2.27 ± 0.41 mm, fourth instar. The duration of first, second, third and fourth instar nymph was 2.15 ± 0.39, 2.17 ± 0.40, 2.32 ± 0.42 and 2.98 ± 0.54 days, respectively. The total nymphal period varied from 7 to 13 days with an average of 9.72 ± 1.77 days. Apterate and alate adult measured 2.86 1–0.52 and 2.65 ± 0.48 mm in length and 1.30 ± 0.24 and 0.87 ± 0.16 mm in breadth, respectively. The longevity, prereproduction, reproduction and post reproduction period was 9.97 ± 1.82, 1.50 ± 0.27, 9.95 ± 1.84 and 0.47 ± 0.086 days, respectively. Total life span was 20.30 ± 3.70 days and reproductive potential of aphid was 38.90 ± 7.10 nymphs/female.