Development and thermal requirements of the Nearctic predator Geocoris punctipes (Hemiptera: Geocoridae) reared at constant and alternating temperatures and fed on Anagasta kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs

• DOI: 10.14411/eje.2014.074
• Publication Date: 2014-08-29T13:46:35Z
• Authors: Ana M. CALIXTO; Vanda H.P. BUENO; Flávio C. MONTES; Joop C. VAN LENTEREN
• Keywords: Tuta absoluta; Lygaeidae

Knowledge of the optimal temperatures for development and survival biological control agents is essential efficient mass-rearing introduction natural enemies in augmentative programs.We studied effect constant alternating on immature stages sex ratio at emergence adults Nearctic generalist predator Geocoris punctipes (Say).We also determined its thermal requirements.They were reared climatic chambers (21/11°C, 24/18°C, 27/21°C 30/26°C ± 1°C) (16.8°C, 21.5°C, 24.5°C 28.3°C 1°C), RH 70 10% a 14 h photophase.Survival G. same when temperatures.Five instars recorded all temperature regimes.The duration egg stage each instar, as well that total larval longer, lower 16.8°C, 21/11°C, 21.5°C 24/18°C than 24.5°C, 27/21°C, 30/26°C.The range to 30°C, threshold 13.5°C 295.9 DD.Sex ratios not significantly different from 1 : male female regimes.There an excellent match between regimes which prey Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) are active, indicates this will function crops where pest present.