Effect of Temperature on the Predator, <Xylocoris flavipes</i> (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Anthocordiae) Feeding on <i>Cryptolestes pusillus</i> (Schon.) (Coleoptera: Cucujidae)

Abstract

Xylocoris flavipes (Reuter) is one of the dominant predators of many stored product insect pest including Cryptolestes pusillus. The influence of temperature on predator development, survival and some selected life history parameters was determined. Eggs laid/female (27.27±2.52) and egg hatching rate (%) (88.25±2.19) were highest at 30°C and lowest at 20°C (5.43±1.19 and 30.79±4.63%) respectively but no eggs laid at 15°C. Mortality among immature stages (%) was highest (51.71±1.48) at 35°C and lowest (24.25c±1.14) at 25°C. Developmental times decreasing with the increasing of temperature. Maximum numbers of progeny/female/day (3.55±0.76) were produced at 25°C and minimum (0.83±0.04) were at 20°C.The sex ratios (% female) of X. flavipes were 47.04, 56.68, 51.66 and 50.07 for 20, 25, 30 and 35°C respectively. Survivorship of ovipositing females was highest at 25°C but lowest at 35°C respectively.

Key words: Xylocoris flavipes, Cryptolestes pusillus, life history, temperature, developmental time  

doi: 10.3329/jbs.v15i0.2201

J. bio-sci. 15: 41-46, 2007