BioControl (2007) 52, 63-74

Sarah Mansfield, Brad Scholz, Sarah Armitage and Marie-Louise Johnson (2007)
Effects of diet, temperature and photoperiod on development and survival of the bigeyed bug, Geocoris lubra
BioControl 52 (1), 63-74
Abstract: Bigeyed bugs (Geocoris spp., Hemiptera: Geocoridae) are common predators in Australian agricultural crops yet the development and reproductive biology of Australian geocorids has not been described before. Here we present the effects of diet, temperature and photoperiod on the development and survival of Geocoris lubra Kirkaldy from egg to adult. Nymphal survival of G. lubra reared on live aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover) was very low but improved slightly on a diet of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) eggs. Development was faster and nymphal survival improved significantly at 27 °C compared with 25 °C. Further investigation at 27 °C showed photoperiod influenced development time, but not survival of immature G. lubra. Development time was significantly longer at 10L:14D. Fecundity of first generation G. lubra was not affected by photoperiod, although egg viability was greater at 12L:12D.
(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): Sarah Mansfield, Brad C.G. Scholz, Marie-Louise Johnson

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

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Helicoverpa armigera
	Aphis gossypii
Geocoris lubrus (predator)	Helicoverpa armigera
Geocoris lubrus (predator)	Aphis gossypii