Abstract
The reproductive potential of Supputius cincticeps (Stal) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) females of two weight classes was evaluated with males and females of this predator obtained from nymphs fed on Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) pupae. Females of S. cincticeps weighing less than 45 mg (light females) and more than 60 mg (heavy females) constituted the treatments. Pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods besides adult longevity were similar between treatments while number of egg masses, eggs, eggs/egg mass and number of nymphs hatched were higher for heavier females. Periods between egg mass laying and egg incubation were shorter for insects of the last treatment. These results are discussed in relation to the use of heavier females of S. cincticeps to improve mass rearing of this predator in laboratory
Highlights
Defoliator caterpillars are important pests because they can reduce production in crops of economic relevance including eucalyptus (Zanuncio et al, 1994)
Body weight as a quality control parameter for stinkbug predators should be used with caution especially when compared individuals reared in laboratory with those ones collected in the field (Mohaghegh-Neyshabouri et al, 1996)
Males and females of S. cincticeps were obtained from nymphs fed with T. molitor pupae from a rearing facility maintained according to the procedures described by Zanuncio et al (1992a) at University of Viçosa (UFV)
Summary
Defoliator caterpillars are important pests because they can reduce production in crops of economic relevance including eucalyptus (Zanuncio et al, 1994). Supputius cincticeps (Stal) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) and other Asopinae species can be used to control eucalyptus defoliator caterpillars and its biology, behavior and insecticide. The impact on these organisms has been studied (Zanuncio et al, 1992a, 1993, 1996/1997, 1998; Molina-Rugama et al, 1998; Torres et al, 1998; Assis Junior et al, 1999). Acta Scientiarum: Biological Sciences insects and Zanuncio et al (1993) obtained heavier females of S. cincticeps when rearing a maximum of 20 nymphs of this predator per 500 mL container. Body weight as a quality control parameter for stinkbug predators should be used with caution especially when compared individuals reared in laboratory with those ones collected in the field (Mohaghegh-Neyshabouri et al, 1996)
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