*2.5.3 Biology*

*C. trachypterus* deposits her eggs inside usually 4–5 cm deep in the soil with slight moisture inside. Female digs a hole with the help of an ovipositor and by means of collateral glands; eggs are deposited along with glutinous secretions in a waterproof egg pod. The female covers her tiny yellowish eggs of 7–8 mm by pushing the soil or sand by hind legs [30]. Eggs will hatch in 12–17 days and tiny nymphs of Pale-yellow color which later turned dark brown undergo 5–6 instars. Nymphs are wingless and smaller in size compared to adult. Nymphal period lasts for 13–17 days.

Adults are much larger than nymphs, have well developed mandibles and wings too. Sexual dimorphism is present as a female has four ovipositors to lay eggs and is usually bulky than males whereas males are smaller and rounded [31].

## *2.5.4 Damage*

*C. trachypterus* is a polyphagous insect and usually present throughout the year. It damages the seedling stage of a variety of crops growing worldwide. Both nymph and adult feed on tillers of wheat plants. Severe attack results in repeated sowing of the crop. Wheat crop is one of its host plants worldwide [32]. The initial development of the seedling is the prime source of grain yield; so, seedling establishment is critical for better productivity. Nymphs and adults feed on young tillers so that in severe attacks the crop failed, and re-sowing had to be done [33]. Among different host plants, wheat seedlings are the most preferred one for *C. trachypterus* [34]*.*
