Biology of Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Predator Nettle Caterpillar Setora nitens Walker Origin from Riau

Abstract

The growing prospect of crude palm oil (CPO) has led to rapid development of oil palm plantations in Riau. Oil palm cultivation is somehow inseparable from the attack of Netter Caterpillar. In practice, the control measures taken are usually by using synthetic insecticides. In order to reduce the effects of synthetic insecticides, it requires alternatives in the technique of controlling this caterpillar pest such as the use of Eocanthecona furcellata predators. This research aims to obtain biochemical data on Eocanthecona furcellata from Riau as predator of Netter Caterpillar pest on palm oil plants with alternative prey of Oecophylla smaragdina (Kroto) larvae. This research uses observation method where the growth and development of 100 larvae of Eocanthecona furcellata with prey of Oecophylla smaragdina (Kroto) broods were observed in the laboratory. The results showed that Eocanthecona furcellata fecundity is 134.88 eggs/female imago, hatch percentage of 82.93%. The life cycle of Eocanthecona furcellata passes through 5 instars with first nymphal instar period of 4.08 days, second-instar of 3.42 days, third-instar of 2.97 days, fourth-instar of 3.06 and fifth-instar of 5.25 days. The life cycle of female imago is longer than the life cycle of male imago, which is 37.41 days and 35.22 days. Oecophylla smaragdina (Kroto) larvae can be used for alternative prey in Eocanthecona furcellata predator multiplication.