Chinch Bug - Blissus leucopterus leucopterus (Say)

Adults are small, black insects with white front wings with a triangular black spot near the outer wing margin (1/6-inch long). Adults lay eggs behind the lower leaf sheaths or in soil near roots. Eggs turn red as they mature and larvae emerge in about one week. There are five nymphal instars. Young nymphs are red with a yellow band on the front part of the abdomen. Last instar nymphs are black and gray with a conspicuous white spot on the back. The life cycle from egg to adult takes about one month, and adults may live two to three weeks. Chinch bug injury results when adults and nymphs feed on the leaves and stems of rice plants. Feeding on young seedlings causes leaves and stems to turn light brown. High numbers of chinch bugs can kill young plants, severely reducing plant stands.

Click on the links above to go to the Chinch Bugs home page or the Rice Insects Photo Galleries home page.