Effects of Prey Species on Development and Reproduction of the Predator Lyctocoris campestris (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae)

Abstract

The effects of selected prey species on life history characteristics of Lyctocoris campestris (F.), a predator of stored-product insects, were examined in the laboratory at 30 ± 1°C, 70 ± 5% RH, and 16:8 (L:D) h. Newly emerged nymphs (n = 40) were reared singly on each of eight prey species and followed through all life stages until the predator died. Prey consisted of final instars of test species that were killed by freezing. Life table statistics were used to compare the predator's potential dynamics on different prey regimes. Developmental period of nymphs was the longest (27.8 d) on Trichoplusia ni (Hubner), a nonstored-product pest, followed by Trogoderma variabile Ballion (25.7 d), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (25.3 d), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (24.8 d), Lasioderma serricorne (F.) (24.3 d), Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) (22.6 d), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (21.8 d), and the shortest on Cadra cautella (Walker) (21.6 d), all stored-product pests. The proportion of nymphs surviving to adulthood was also affected by prey species. Prey species significantly affected the preoviposition period of the adult females. The preoviposition period was shortest on P. interpunctella (9.0 d), and longest on T. variabile (16.9 d). Oviposition period did not differ among the eight prey species tested. Total fecundity was higher on C. cautella , P. interpunctella , and T. variabile than on L. serricorne , T. castaneum , R. dominica , and O. surinamensis ; and lowest on T. ni . There was a strong correlation (r = 0.753) between oviposition period and fecundity across all species. Oviposition rate (number of eggs per female/d) was highest on P. interpunctella (4.3), and lowest on T. ni (1.99), giving finite rates of increase (λ) of 1.0757 and 1.0379, respectively. Life table statistics showed that P. interpunctella , T. castaneum , C. cautella , and L. serricorne were the most suitable prey for L. campestris , followed by T. variabile , O. surinamensis , and R. dominica , with T. ni least suitable.