Paulinia acuminata (Orthoptera: Pauliniidae) completes its life cycle on aquatic macrophytes. Out of 17 macrophytes and five vegetable plants tested, oviposition was only observed on Salvinaceae (Salvinia auriculata, S. minima, S. sprucei, Azolla cf. microphylla.) and Araceae (Pistia stratiotes). In captivity, mean incubation period of the eggs was 18,7 (+/- 1,8) days and an average of 7,3 (+/- 2,8) eggs was found per ooteca. The development of the six nymphal instars took 47,1 (+/- 1,2) days and the total development egg-adult 93,2 days at an average air temperature of 29 °C. Ethological observations from the field and laboratory are presented.
Paulinia acuminata; Pauliniidae; aquatic macrophytes; ethology; biology