Journal of Economic Entomology (1994) 87, 76-83

Patrick de Clercq and Danny Degheele (1994)
Laboratory measurement of predation by Podisus maculiventris and P. sagitta (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on beet armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Journal of Economic Entomology 87 (1), 76-83
Abstract: Predation rates for nymphs and adults of the predatory stink bugs, Podisus maculiventris (Say) and Podisus sagitta (F.), on the different developmental stages of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), were measured in the laboratory. Development and survival of predator nymphs also were monitored to evaluate prey suitability. The predators displayed high predation rates against different stages of the beet armyworm. However, eggs, first- and second-instar caterpillars, and adults of S. exigua proved to be less suitable prey for late instars and adults of both pentatomids. Predation rates of P. maculiventris were similar to or slightly higher than those of the smaller-sized P. sagitta. Results are discussed in relation to experimental conditions (searching arena, temperature) and quality of laboratory-reared predators.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Patrick De Clercq

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.
	Spodoptera exigua
Podisus maculiventris (predator)	Spodoptera exigua
Podisus sagitta (predator)	Spodoptera exigua		Surinam