Abstract

The biology and description of various developmental stages of the mealybug found on the green acalypha plant in Ogbomoso, Southern Guinea Savanna was evaluated. The study shows that the stylets of the 1^st and 3rd instars as well as adult stages are straight while that of the 2nd instar is somewhat coiled up. Furthermore, identification key chart was prepared using the characters which are peculiar to each instar. The third instar can be identified using the tip of abdomen that is broad with inconspicuous setae and body length that is ≤ 13 mm. The adult stage is peculiar with its tip of abdomen which is narrow with 2 short setae and a body length usually 13 mm.

Key words: Acalypha, antenna, instar, Rastroccocus, savanna, stylet.