Abstract
Abstract We investigated the influence of convenient diets on big-eyed bug Geocoris ochropterus. Development and reproduction of G. ochropterus fed on convenient diets of ant pupae Oecophylla smaragdina and silkworm pupae Bombyx mori were examined using aphids Aphis gossypii as the control diet. Results showed that Geocoris ochropterus nymphs completed development to adults on all diets. Total average development period was 35.1 days fed on ant pupae, 35.9 days fed on silkworm pupae, and 36.0 days fed on aphids. Head width, body length, forewing length, and fresh body weight of adults were not affected by diets, except for females reared on ant pupae that were significantly heavier than those fed on aphids. There was no significant difference in offspring sex ratio. Total number of eggs deposited per female fed on ant pupae was significantly larger than when fed on aphids, while eggs laid by females fed on silkworm pupae were significantly longer than eggs laid by females fed on aphids. Results suggest that ant pupae and silkworm pupae could be effectively used for mass rearing of G. ochropterus.
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