Some Observations on Fecundity and Sex Ratios of the Potato Leafhopper12

In laboratory rearing studies and 2 types of field studies, Empoasca fabae (Harris) oviposition rates ranged between 2.5 and 3.8 eggs per female per day, and the average number of eggs per female ranged between 33.7 and 57.4. In 9 separate studies conducted in the laboratory over a period of 13 months the percent females produced ranged from 47.7 to 56.3 and averaged 52.8. In 10 cage studies under field conditions conducted over a period of 3 years, the percent females in the progeny ranged from 48 to 52 and averaged 50.2. Likewise, over a period of 4 years, in sweep-net collections of breeding populations of E. fabae in alfalfa, the sex ratios were consistently close to 1:1.