Abstract
The predator Geocoris floridanus Blatchley hasbecome more common in row crop systems in Georgia, but its ecology is unknown. We studied selected life-history characteristics of G. floridanus in the laboratory. Two prey treatmentswere evaluated for nymphsand adultsof G. floridanus: 1) eggsof the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), and (2) young larvae of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner). G. floridanus nymphswere reared on the prey, and predator development and prey consumption were monitored; predation rates, longevity, and fecundity of adultswere evaluated. Nymphal development timesand number of prey consumed by predatorsfed corn earworm eggswere similar for femalesand males. Nymphal development of predatorsfed beet armyworm larvae wasprolonged compared with predatorsreared on corn earworm eggs . Nymphal survival wasunaffected by prey type. Nymphsreared on corn earworm eggsrequired fewer prey to complete nymphal development and produced larger adults . Femalesfed corn earworm eggshad shorter preoviposition periods, and greater fecundity and longevity than females fed beet armyworms. Femalesconsumed more beet armywormsthan corn earworm eggs, but produced fewer eggsper unit prey. Female predatorsfed beet armywormswhile nymphsand switched to corn earworm eggswhen adult partially recovered their fecundity, and exhibited life-history characteristics equal to those of femalesfed corn earworm eggsthroughout their lives . Thus , G. floridanus can feed, develop, and reproduce on both prey species, and its performance increases when switched from beet armyworm larvae to corn earworm eggs.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
