Arthropod Predators of Velvetbean Caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Eggs and Larvae

Abstract

Arthropod predators of velvetbean caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis Hubner, eggs and larvae were determined using a direct observation technique. Observations of predation events were made on soybean foliage and the ground below the foliage. Predation on eggs and three size classes of larvae is presented as proportional seasonal consumption over 14 to 16 h by each arthropod predator species. On the foliage, Spanogonicus albofasciatus (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae) and Geocoris punctipes (Say) (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) were observed eating velvetbean caterpillar eggs in 1981. For small velvetbean caterpillar larvae, Tropiconabis capsiformis (Germar) (Hemiptera: Nabidae) was the major consumer in 1981, whereas in 1982, G. punctipes and Calleida decora (F.) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) were the major consumers. For medium and large velvetbean caterpillar larvae in 1981, tettigoniids (Orthoptera) consumed the largest proportion. On the ground, the ant Pheidole morrisi Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) was the major consumer of all three size classes of velvetbean caterpillar larvae in 1981. In 1982, the earwig Labidura riparia (Pallas) (Dermaptera: Labiduridae) ate the greatest proportion of small velvetbean caterpillar larvae on the ground.