Prey consumption ofOrius similisZheng (Het., Anthocoridae) with different aphid species as prey

Abstract

The laboratory experiments showed that the predatory bug Orius similis Zheng, originally from China, is able to prey on different aphid species. It consumed significantly higher Aphis gossypii Glover and Aphis pomi (De Geer) than other aphid species during its entire nymphal development and adult stage as females (mated and unmated) and males. There were no significant differences in the mean daily and total prey consumption of females and males during the nymphal development. The mean daily prey consumption of adult O. similis was significantly higher by mated females than unmated females and males. No significant differences in the mean daily prey consumption of unmated females and males were detected. When A. gossypii and A. pomi were offered, the mean total prey consumption was significantly higher by females (mated and unmated) than by males. It was significantly higher by mated females than unmated females and males with Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) as prey. O. similis ad...