%0 Journal Article
%T Biology of Stigmacoccus asper (Hemiptera: Stigmacoccidae) in Colombian High-Andean Oak Forests
%A Ingrith Cortés
%A Jonathan Igua-Muñoz
%A Irina Morales
%J Entomology and Applied Science Letters
%@ 2349-2864
%D 2024
%V 11
%N 3
%R 10.51847/M6zomiHue3
%P 1-8
%X The scale insect Stigmacoccus asper (Hemiptera: Stigmacoccidae) is known for its interaction with oak forests and represents a sustainable alternative for honeydew honey production. However, a lack of information complicates the understanding of this interaction. Therefore, the aim of this research was to document aspects of the biology of S. asper in the oak forests of the Boyacá department. The study involved monitoring the life cycle and estimating population parameters under laboratory conditions at the Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia (UPTC) in Tunja, Boyacá, Colombia. Under conditions of 18ºC and 54% relative humidity, four stages were identified (egg, nymph, cyst, and adult); the life cycle duration was approximately ± 39 days, with the cyst stage being the most vulnerable and the nymph stage showing the highest survival rate. The biological and ecological information obtained provides an essential tool for understanding the species and aims to incorporate its developmental cycle into the establishment of environmentally friendly practices such as apiculture. This involves the responsible use of this non-timber forest resource, with a focus on conserving High-Andean forest ecosystems.
%U https://easletters.com/article/biology-of-stigmacoccus-asper-hemiptera-stigmacoccidae-in-colombian-high-andean-oak-forests-mktw8k96vxm9kj3