STUDIES ON THE PARASITISM OF LEPTOCORIS AUGUR (FABR.) (HETEROPTERA : RHOPALIDAE) BY LEPTUS SP. OF MITE (ACARINA : ERYTHRAEIDAE)

An incidence of Leptus sp parasitism varies from 10,8 to 34.6. Percentage of parasitism is maximum during June to September while minimum in November to February. The mite load on the host ranges from 1 to 15 mites. This load increases from May to September; decreases from October to January and maximum in September. Heavily parasitized host with a load of 10-15 mites, became weak, refused feeding and finally died. Pleuron of abdomen is noticed as most preferred attachment site.