Impact of zoophytophagy on chemical content of Podisus nigrispinus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) fed on lepidopteran larvae and cotton leaves

Abstract

Zoophytophagy is an important factor in the colonization and successful establishment of the generalist predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in cotton crops. Here, we evaluated the nutritional state (carbohydrates, lipids and proteins and body weight) of P. nigrispinus nymphs fed on: i) Alabama argillacea (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae with cotton leaves, ii) A. argillacea larvae, or iii) Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae. The body weight and chemical composition of preys and cotton leaves were also quantified. Podisus nigrispinus nymphs had similar levels of proteins and carbohydrates when they fed on A. argillacea or T. molitor. However, P. nigrispinus nymphs fed on A. argillacea larvae and cotton leaves had higher levels of proteins, sugars and glycogen content than those fed only on preys. Cotton leaves had 7.11 mg of protein and 13.71 mg of sugars. Therefore, feeding on cotton leaves increases the nutritional state of the zoophytophagous predator P. nigrispinus, which can enhance its survival in periods of prey scarcity.