Biocontrol Science and Technology (2001) 11, 331-337

José Zanuncio, Adrian J. Molina-Rugama, José Serrao and Dirceu Pratissoli (2001)
Nymphal development and reproduction of Podisus nigrispinus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) fed with combinations of Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Pupae and Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) larvae
Biocontrol Science and Technology 11 (3), 331-337
Abstract: The development and reproduction of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) fed on Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) were studied in four treatments. P. nigrispinus was permitted to feed on: (1) T. molitor pupae (T₁); (2) Musca domestica larvae (T₂); (3) both prey supplied simultaneously (T₃); (4) both prey supplied on alternate days (T₄). Duration of the nymphal period of P. nigrispinus was similar in all diets studied with nymphal viability of approximately 75%. Heavier females were obtained in T₁ and T₄, but no correlation between this factor and the reproductive rate of the predator was found. Therefore, the use of body weight as a parameter to evaluate rearing quality should be approached with caution. However, females of this predator showed higher egg and nymph production when they received both prey. For this reason P. nigrispinus should be reared with T. molitor and M. domestica simultaneously or on alternate days.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): José Cola Zanuncio, José Eduardo Serrao, Dirceu Pratissoli

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Podisus nigrispinus (predator)