Predatory Thrips Research Articles

Biological Control of Echinothrips americanus Morgan (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Sweet Pepper Using the Predatory Thrips Franklinothrips vespiformis Crawford (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae)

ABSTRACTEchinothrips americanus Morgan (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), also known as poinsettia thrips, has invaded several parts of the world becoming an important pest in many vegetable and ornamental crops. While biological control methods using predatory mites and bugs have been effective against flower‐dwelling thrips, they have shown limited success against leaf‐dwelling thrips like E. americanus. Franklinothrips vespiformis Crawford (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae) is a leaf‐dwelling predatory thrips that may offer a more effective solution due to its overlapping habitat with E. americanus which increases the likelihood of predator–prey interactions. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of F. vespiformis for controlling E. americanus populations in sweet pepper under greenhouse conditions. We also investigated whether supplementing the releases of the predator with Artemia franciscana Kellogg (Branchiopoda: Artemiidae) cysts would enhance the pest control efficacy of F. vespiformis. Our results showed a 93% decrease in the total E. americanus population with releases of F. vespiformis alone and a 98% decrease when the releases of F. vespiformis were supplemented with A. franciscana cysts, both of which were statistically significant compared to the control treatment. There was no significant difference between the two F. vespiformis treatments. Similarly, the abundance of both adults and immature stages of E. americanus was significantly reduced in the presence of F. vespiformis, regardless of the addition of supplementary food. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of F. vespiformis for the biological control of E. americanus and probably other leaf‐dwelling thrip pests in sweet pepper.

Banker Plant Efficacy to Boost Natural Predators for Management of Field Populations of Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera Thripidae) in Strawberries.

Since 2015, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood has emerged as the main pest of strawberries in Florida. Given the limited management options, there is a recognized need to expand on the management strategies for this pest. Therefore, we explored the possibility of using banker plants to recruit naturally occurring predators of thrips into strawberry fields to suppress S. dorsalis. The study began in the 2021-2022 strawberry season where five banker plants were screened to determine which ones could consistently attract thrips predators by flowering throughout the strawberry season. Capsicum annum L. (ornamental pepper) and Lobularia maritima L. (sweet alyssum) were selected for further evaluation. In the 2022-2023 strawberry season, using a randomized complete block design we assessed the capability of these banker plants to attract thrips predators into the strawberry field. In addition, we examined how the banker plant distance from the strawberry plants influenced the S. dorsalis pest suppression. Our results showed that strawberries located within 3.7 m of ornamental pepper plants had less leaf damage from S. dorsalis compared with those farther away, which may result from the repellent effect of the ornamental peppers. Additionally, Geocoris spp. and Orius spp. were identified as the main thrips predators in the system, although in relatively low numbers. Therefore, these results highlight the potential of incorporating ornamental pepper as a banker plant in strawberry production. Additional applications of this research are explored below.

Evaluating Methyl Salicylate Lures on Natural Enemies, Pests and Meristem Damage in Red Maple Fields

Abstract Red maple seedlings transplanted in spring must grow vertically quickly and insecticides are applied to prevent meristem damage. While sprays have achieved desired results, sustainable options are being sought. Methyl salicylate (MeSA) is a common herbivore-induced plant volatile that is available as a commercial lure to attract natural enemies into farms. We conducted a 2-year field study to determine if MeSA-treated plots had more natural enemies, fewer insect pests, and less meristem damage. The only natural enemy detected in statistically higher abundance within MeSA plots was the minute pirate bug (Orius spp.), a predator of thrips (Thripidae) and aphids (Aphidae). However, this increase in abundance was only higher during the end of the second-year trial. Abundance of aphid alates was statistically lower in MeSA blocks 2 weeks after application. No other pests were significantly lower in MeSA-treated than control plots. Meristem damage in MeSA blocks was lower overall in the first year, and for the first 3 weeks in the second-year trial. While MeSA was associated with significantly less meristem damage, the mechanism was not clear from arthropod samples and potential reasons are discussed. Species used in this study: red maple (Acer rubrum L.); minute pirate bug (Orius spp.). Chemicals used in this study: Methyl salicylate (Predalure).

Field efficacy of a biopesticide and a predatory mite for suppression of Scirtothrips dorsalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in strawberry.

Chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) has emerged as a severe invasive pest of strawberry Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne in the United States. The objective of this study was to assess the field efficacy of a biopesticide and thrips predator, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot for S. dorsalis management in field grown strawberry compared to synthetic insecticide applications that are current industry standard (spinetoram) conducted at UF/IFAS GCREC, FL during 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 in a 2-year field study. The following treatments were applied in the field: (1) biopesticide, capsicum oleoresin extract + garlic oil + canola oil application at maximum label rate; (2) predatory mite of thrips, A. swirskii released at 30 predators per plot; (3) spinetoram applied at maximum label rate; and (4) biopesticide applied 24 h before release of A. swirskii. A control plot with no insecticide or predatory mite releases was maintained. Results show that the capsicum extract can be used for management of S. dorsalis, especially during the latter stages of strawberry field season when resistance to spinetoram is high. The field performance of A. swirskii was variable and extensive research is needed to highlight factors affecting field performance of predatory mites for thrips management.

Species of Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) predators of thrips and whiteflies: a review

The biological control of thrips and whiteflies, major pests of crops in greenhouses, is mainly based on the use of hymenopteran parasitoids and many predatory species. Several species of the family Phytoseiidae are natural enemies of these pests. Although several phytoseiid species have been commercially available in the last two decades, more and more research on their efficiency has been accumulated. Data on many additional species as potential predators has been published but research is still limited. This manuscript aims to present the results of relatively recent research about each phytoseiid species studied/commercialized to control whiteflies and thrips. The phytoseiid mite species are divided into three groups: predators that prey on whiteflies and thrips with a preference for phytophagous mites, those commercially produced for managing whiteflies and thrips, and those needing further research to clarify their potential. Available information about the efficacy and limitations of each species is provided and future perspectives for their use are proposed.

Population dynamics of wheat and predatory thrips in winter wheat agrocenosis in the forest-steppe of the Samara region

The current paper has presented the three-year study results (2021–2023) on recording the population dynamics of wheat and predatory thrips during the spring-summer vegetation period of winter common wheat in the forest-steppe of the Samara region. The purpose of the study was to determine the dynamics of the seasonal development of wheat and predatory thrips according to the phenophases of the development of winter common wheat in the forest-steppe of the Samara region. For this purpose, there were carried out the calculations using the mowing method with an entomological net on winter wheat crops in different phenophases of development, and the population of species and thrips were determined in the laboratory under a binocular. According to weather conditions, 2021 and 2023 were characterized as dry and hot, 2022 was characterized as cool with plenty of precipitation in the first half of the winter wheat vegetation period. The population dynamics of wheat and predatory thrips varied depending on the weather conditions of the spring-summer period of the year. In the hot years of 2021 and 2023 there were 2 periods of increase in population. In 2021, the period of maximum population of wheat thrips was observed from a heading stage to a flowering stage (1016 and 1048 specimen per 100 sweeps of the net) and in the phase of milky-wax ripeness (426 specimen per 100 sweeps of the net). In 2022, the population of wheat thrips on plants increased gradually, the peak was noted once during the flowering stage, amounting to 1084 specimen per 100 sweeps of the net. In 2023, a population increase was observed in the heading stage (1782 specimen per 100 sweeps of the net) and the phase of milky-wax ripeness (421 specimen per 100 sweeps of the net). In the hot years of 2021 and 2023 there were 2 periods of increase in predatory thrips’ population; the maximum number of entomophages was observed during the heading stage and amounted to 87 and 61 specimens per 100 sweeps of the net, respectively. In the cool year of 2022, there was one population increase during the flowering stage and amounted to 14 specimens per 100 sweeps of the net. In the phases of heading and flowering of plants, there were predominantly adult insects (imago), and in the phases of milky and milky-wax ripeness, there were predominantly found larvae of different ages. The weather conditions in 2021 and 2023 turned out to be more favorable for the development of wheat and predatory thrips than in 2022.

Functional response of Franklinothrips vespiformis (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae) to eggs and nymphs of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae).

The Middle East Asia Minor 1 biotype of Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a greenhouse and field crop pest of global significance. The objective of this study was to assess the potential of the generalist predatory thrips, Franklinothrips vespiformis Crawford (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae), as a biological control agent for B. tabaci. This was achieved by determining the functional responses of F. vespiformis larvae and adults to the egg and nymphal stages of B. tabaci under laboratory conditions. Analyses consisted of 10 replicates of each predator and prey stage combination on bean leaf discs for a 24-h period. Following logistic regression analyses to determine the functional response type exhibited, response parameters were estimated with nonlinear least squares regression using Roger's equation. Results showed that F. vespiformis larvae and adults exhibited a Type II functional response when feeding on immature B. tabaci. The handling times (Th) of F. vespiformis larvae and adults were magnitudes higher for B. tabaci nymphs than they were for eggs, which were in part driven by the higher attack rates (a) observed on eggs. The maximum attack rate (T/Th) for B. tabaci eggs and nymphs exhibited by first-stage larvae, second-stage larvae, and adult F. vespiformis increased with increasing predator age. Results from this study suggest that F. vespiformis larvae and particularly adults are promising biological control agents for B. tabaci and are efficient predators at both low and high prey densities.

Aberrant splicing of a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha 6 subunit is associated with spinosad tolerance in the thrips predator Orius laevigatus

Susceptibility to insecticides is one of the limiting factors preventing wider adoption of natural enemies to control insect pest populations. Identification and selective breeding of insecticide tolerant strains of commercially used biological control agents (BCAs) is one of the approaches to overcome this constraint. Although a number of beneficial insects have been selected for increased tolerance to insecticides the molecular mechanisms underpinning these shifts in tolerance are not well characterised. Here we investigated the molecular mechanisms of enhanced tolerance of a lab selected strain of Orius laevigatus (Fieber) to the commonly used biopesticide spinosad. Transcriptomic analysis showed that spinosad tolerance is not a result of overexpressed detoxification genes. Molecular analysis of the target site for spinosyns, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), revealed increased expression of truncated transcripts of the nAChR α6 subunit in the spinosad selected strain, a mechanism of resistance which was described previously in insect pest species. Collectively, our results demonstrate the mechanisms by which some beneficial biological control agents can evolve insecticide tolerance and will inform the development and deployment of insecticide-tolerant natural enemies in integrated pest management strategies.

Effect of Plant Nectars and Sugars on the Predatory Thrips Scolothrips takahashii

Effect of Plant Nectars and Sugars on the Predatory Thrips Scolothrips takahashii

Composition and distribution of Thysanoptera (Insecta) in the area of Balcalı, Adana Province, Türkiye

This study was conducted to identify thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera) species in the Balcalı area of Adana Province, Türkiye, known as a polyculture area having diverse topographic features. Thrips were extensively collected by the tapping method from awide range of agricultural crop plants during 2019-2020. A total of 1150 adult thrips individuals were collected, representing 24 identified species. Among them, the most prevalent and abundant species were the cotton thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman and the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). These two species showed varying population dynamics based on the flowering patterns of the plants sampled. Thankfully, no thrips damage was observed on the sampled plants. Although invasive pest thrips species such asThrips hawaiiensis (Morgan) and Scirtothrips dorsalis (Hood) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) were found in low numbers, and both of them were collected mostly from flowers of sesame and green pepper plants. A low number of predatory thrips belonging to geniuses, Aeolothrips (Aeolothripidae) and Scolothrips (Thripidae) were detected on beans, potatoes and cotton after March.

Predation potential and life history of three nabid species as biological control agents of pests in Canadian greenhouses

Nabids are hemipteran generalist predators commonly associated with agroecosystems. In this study, the predation rate of Nabis americoferus Carayon, N. roseipennis Reuter, and Hoplistoscelis pallescens Kerhzner on several common greenhouse pests was assessed in the laboratory, compared to the most closely related commercially available predator in North America, Dicyphus hesperus Knight (Heteroptera: Miridae). In addition, life history parameters of the nabids were determined to estimate their capacity for population increase, an important data set when considering their mass rearing and population establishment in crops. Our results showed that the three nabid species are generally more voracious predators than D. hesperus, especially when fed adult green peach aphids, adult western flower thrips and adult greenhouse whiteflies. Dicyphus hesperus preyed more on two spotted spider mites and greenhouse whitefly nymphs. Nabis americoferus consumed more western flower thrips larvae than all other species. Of the three nabids, N. americoferus also performed significantly better as a predator of western flower thrips. Additionally, N. americoferus had a significantly shorter egg to adult development time, and had a shorter pre-oviposition period than the other two species. Based on its predation capacity and favourable life history characteristics, N. americoferus was selected for further development as a new biological control agent for the North American market.

Intraguild Prey Served as Alternative Prey for Intraguild Predators in a Reciprocal Predator Guild between Neoseiulus barkeri and Scolothrips takahashii

The predatory mites Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes) and the predatory thrips Scolothrips takahashii (Priesner) are known as potential biocontrol agents for the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae (Koch). These two predator species occur simultaneously on crops in agricultural ecosystems and are proved to be involved in life-stage specific intraguild predation. The intraguild prey may play a role in securing the persistence of the intraguild predators during food shortage periods. To understand the potential of intraguild prey as food source for intraguild predators in the N. barkeri and S. takahashii guild at low T. urticae densities, the survival, development and reproduction of both predators was determined when fed on heterospecific predators. The choice tests were conducted to determine the preference of the intraguild predator between the intraguild prey and the shared prey. Results showed that 53.3% N. barkeri and 60% S. takahashii juveniles successfully developed when fed on heterospecific predators. Female intraguild predators of both species fed on intraguild prey survived and laid eggs throughout the experiment. In the choice test, both intraguild predator species preferred their extraguild prey T. urticae. This study suggested that intraguild prey served as an alternative prey for intraguild predators prolonged survival and ensured the reproduction of intraguild predators during food shortage, ultimately decreasing the need for the continual release of the predators.

Biological performance and predation rate ofScolothrips longicornisPriesner fed onTetranychus urticaeKoch.

AbstractThe life table and predation rate ofScolothrips longicornisPriesner fed onTetranychus urticaeKoch were examined at 26°C under laboratory conditions. The age‐stage, two‐sex life table was used to analyse the raw data in order to account for the varying developmental rates among individuals and both sexes. The intrinsic rate of increase (r), the finite rate of increase (λ), the net reproductive rate (R0), and the mean generation time (T) were 0.156 day−1, 1.168 day−1and 29.15 offspring, and 21.69 days, respectively.Scolothrips longicornisconsumed 18.40 and 24.47T. urticaeeggs during the first and second larval stages, respectively. The mean consumption rate for females and males during the longevity was 276.26 and 359.79 eggs of Two‐spotted spider mite, respectively. The net consumption rate, which considers survival, was 194.03T. urticaeeggs per individual. The transformation rate fromT. urticaepopulation to predatory thrips offspring was 8.9.

Seasonal Population Dynamics and Harmfulness of Wheat Thrips in Agrocenoses of Grain Crops

The purpose of the study was to identify forage plants and specialized entomophages of wheat thrips in agrocenoses of winter and spring grain crops cultivated in the Samara region. The highest number of adult pests was noted in winter wheat crops (2365.0 ind./100 strokes), the lowest in winter barley crops (565.0 ind./100 strokes). Egg laying by wheat thrip females occurred on all grain crops. Larvae of wheat thrips were noted in the ears of winter and spring wheat, triticale, and winter barley, with the exception of spring barley. During the research, two specialized entomophages were identified: striped thrips and predatory thrips. During the research years, the largest numbers of predatory thrips were noted in winter wheat crops in the earing phase (90 ind./100 strokes) and in spring wheat and spring barley crops in the booting phase—75 ind./100 strokes and 40 ind./100 strokes, respectively. The damage to winter wheat grain by wheat thrips varied from 55.3% to 69.2% and was higher than the damage to spring wheat grain (38.5–64%). With a certain ratio of specialized entomophages and wheat thrips, it is possible to refuse the use of insecticides in the cultivation of grain crops.

ВИДОВОЙ СОСТАВ ТРИПСОВ (INSECTA: THYSANOPTERA) НА СЕЛЕКЦИОННЫХ ПОСЕВАХ ЯРОВОЙ ПШЕНИЦЫ В РГАУ-МСХА ИМЕНИ К.А. ТИМИРЯЗЕВА

Cereal thrips are ubiquitous, widespread and strong pests of grain crops. Imago and larvae of thrips can damage leaves, ears, flowers and grains by injecting and sucking plant juices. Thrips reduce not only the weight but also the sowing qualities of grain, posing a threat to breeding and seed crops. Cereal thrips are a systematically and biologically diverse group of species that are diffi-cult to diagnose and study. Morphological diagnosis of thrips is carried out according to the adult phase; diagnosis of larvae of closely related species requires the use of molecular genetic methods. The wheat thrips are usually the main focus; other species are less known. In the experimental crops in Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, cereal thrips are one of the main pests. In 2020, on spring wheat, their share in the number of insect collections by mowing with a net reached 14 in 2022, it reached 29%. However, the species composition of thrips has not been previously studied here. In the genetic collection of spring wheat (45 varieties) and the collection of endemic wheat (18 varieties) of the breeding experimental station of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, censuses and diagnostics of the species composition of thrips were carried out. A total of 993 adults of thrips were analyzed and micro preparations were made. Seven species of herbivorous and one species of predatory thrips were identified. The species composition is dominated by three species of cereal thrips: Haplothrips aculeatus, Haplothrips tritici, and Frankliniella tenuicornis. The rarest among them is the rye thrips Limothrips denticornis. Some differences between thrips species are noted in terms of appearance on crops and the period of the main damage. For the most widespread, closely related and outwardly similar species, the main diagnostic features are indicated.

Effect of the entomopathogenic fungus, Lecanicillium lecanii, on the biology and predation rate of the anthocorid predatory bug, Blaptostethus pallescens, feeding on the flower thrips, Frankliniella schultzei Trybom (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

BackgroundThe flower thrips, Frankliniella schultzei Trybom (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is a notorious pest that attacks the plants of economic importance. The anthocorid bug Blaptostethus pallescens Poppius (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) is a predator of thrips in field crops and greenhouses. Another biocontrol agent, the entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) Lecanicillium lecanii (Zimm.) (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), has been effectively used in management of various insect pests. With the aim to develop an effective combination of biocontrol agents like microbial and insect predator for the management of the serious pest F. schultzei, the present studies were carried out on development, predation rate and prey preferences of the predator B. pallescens provided with the EPF (ICAR-NBAIR Vl-8)-treated thrips under laboratory conditions.ResultsThe predator, B. pallescens, could complete its life cycle on treated thrips. The nymphal duration of bugs fed on treated thrips was higher (25.25 ± 0.13 days). The Vl-8 strain did not show any negative effect on hatchability of eggs (83% hatchability in treatment; 86% in control). However, the longevity was comparatively less in bugs fed on treated thrips than that of control group The fecundity of the treated group was found to be reduced to one half of the control group. The rate of daily feeding potential of bugs on treated thrips was less (7.29 ± 0.15) than the untreated thrips (12.54 ± 0.1) throughout their lifetime. Moreover, when the F1 generation from both parents line fed on treated and untreated thrips allowed to feed on Corcyra cephalonica eggs, it did not show any difference in terms of nymphal duration which revealed that the fungi did not affect the F1 generation. When choice was given between treated and untreated thrips to different instars of this predatory bug, all the instars including adult significantly preferred the untreated thrips. However, nymphs and adult bugs were found to encounter both the treated and untreated thrips. No mortality was observed in any stage of the predator.ConclusionThis study shows that the effect of L. lecanii (ICAR-NBAIR Vl-8) on B. pallescens is not harmful. However, further field studies are required to evaluate their combined effect against this pest.

Thysanoptera as predators: their diversity and significance as biological control agents.

Some species of thrips have evolved predatory behaviours, with their reported prey range including thrips, mites, scale-insects, whitefly, psyllid nymphs, and eggs of moths and beetles. However, our current understanding of the biology and potential of these thrips as biological control agents is insufficient, limiting our understanding of their role in pest management. This paper assesses published information on the diversity of predatory thrips and the available biological data on their diet breadth. About 100 species within three different families - Aeolothripidae, Phlaeothripidae and Thripidae - seem likely to be predatory, although some conclusions are speculative. Both facultative and obligate predators can be found among the species with prey records. Obligate predators feed primarily on arthropod tissues, whereas facultative predators consume plant tissues in addition to prey. Quantitative information regarding developmental biology, longevity and fecundity, was obtained for only 11 species. Obligate predators, particularly members of Scolothrips and Franklinothrips, are efficient biological control agents. To better augment the use of predatory thrips in pest management, further increased investment in mass rearing, life history and ecological studies, including interactions with other organisms and their habitat, are needed on these natural enemies. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Detection of thrips (Thysanoptera) species in vineyards in Tarsus and Mut districts of Mersin Province, Türkiye

Some thrips (Thysanoptera) species are seriously harmful in vineyard production areas. Tarsus and Mut locations of Mersin Province located at the southeastern Mediterranean region of Türkiye has an important place in the grape production of Türkiye. It is not known whether there are harmful thrips species in the vineyards in these locations. For this aim, thrips were collected in 2019 by tapping the different plant parts of vines. A total of 14 species were identified. Harmful thrips species such as Drepanothrips reuteri (Uzel), Rubiothrips vitis (Priesner) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), and predatory thrips species such as Aeolothrips collaris Priesnier, 1919 (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae) and Haplothrips globiceps Bagnall, 1934 (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) in the vineyards in the region were also recorded for the first time. Both adults and larvae of R. vitis were collected relatively in high numbers during the fruiting period of the vineyards sampled.

Doru luteipes (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) and Orius insidiosus (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) as Nocturnal and Diurnal Predators of Thrips.

Thrips (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) are pests of several crops and their chemical control is mainly hindered by their thigmotactic habits, which in turn allows the use of biological control agents with similar habits. Orius (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) are effective control agents for thrips and are commercialized in many countries. Habitat overlap exists between Doru luteipes (Scudder) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) and thrips, making D. luteipes a potential predator in the control of these insects. Our goals were to confirm the predatory ability of D. luteipes when exposed to thrips, Caliothrips phaseoli (Hood), and to evaluate the interaction between D. luteipes and Orius insidiosus Say for the control of thrips using behavioral and feeding preference tests. The ability of D. luteipes and O. insidiosus to prey on thrips at all stages was tested by predation bioassays; adults of D. luteipes consumed 210.9 ± 23.2 thrips per day, while adults of O. insidiosus consumed 32.4 ± 3.6 thrips per day. Intraguild predation was absent, and the predatory behavior feeding of the two predatory species was not altered in the presence of the other predator. In addition, these predators forage at different times-O. insidiosus during the day and D. luteipes at night, indicating that both predators do not interact negatively, allowing the use of both in a biological pest control program for thrips.

Effect of wavelength on development and demographic parameters of Scolothrips longicornis fed on two-spotted spider mites

The wavelength of light can affect reproduction and development of arthropods. In the present study, we examined the reproduction and development of predatory thrips Scolothrips longicornis Priesner (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) fed on Tetranychus urticae Koch (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae) eggs, under five wavelengths: white (all wavelengths), blue (475 nm), green (580 nm), yellow (620 nm) and red (675 nm), at 25 ± 0.5 °C, 16L: 8D and 60 ± 10% rh. Light wavelength did not significantly influence female and male preadult duration, male adult duration, and male total longevity. White and blue light yielded the longest oviposition periods. All life table parameters varied significantly among treatments. The intrinsic rate of increase (rm d−1) was lowest in red light wavelength (0.112 ± 0.009) and highest in white wavelength (0.171 ± 0.008) and blue light wavelength (0.168 ± 0.008). The present research demonstrates that white light conditions positively influence S. longicornis with shorter development time and improved reproductive performance. This information will be beneficial in mass production of S. longicornis for biocontrol programs involving T. urticae.