Developmental parameters of Xylochoris flavipes (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) fed on life-stages of Rhyzopertha dominica (f.)

Abstract

The hemipteran predator, Xylocoris flavipes (Reuter) predates the eggs, larvae and pupae of Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) in storage condition and checks their population in considerable level. The nymphs of 1^st up to 5^th instar and adults of X. flavipes were found efficient to survive on eggs, larvae of 1^st up to 4^th instar and pupae of R. dominica. The mean duration of developmental period through five nymphal instars on eggs, larvae of 1^st up to 4^th instars and pupae were 18 ± 1.00, 20 ± 0.58, 16 ± 2.00, 14 ± 1.15, 12 ± 1.15 and 13 ± 0.58 days in R. dominica. The adult female X. flavipes survived longer than the male. Average consumption rates of each nymph of 1^st up to 5^th instar and adult stage of X. flavipes were found highest on eggs, 1^st and 2^nd instar larvae but lowest on 4^th instar larvae and pupae. The female predator always consumed more individuals than the male. Average survivability rates of nymphs of 1^st up to 5^th instar and adults were maximum on 1^st and 2^nd instar larvae and minimum on 4^th instar larvae and pupae. The size of the female predator was found larger than the male at all the stages. Based on the ratio 1:1, sex ratio was the best (male and female almost equal in number) on 1^st and 2^nd instar larvae comparatively than that of other stages. Developmental period, adult longevity, consumption rate, survivability rate, size and sex ratio of X. flavipes were found always significant (p<0.001) in different life stages of R. dominica. This study reveals that mass culture of X. flavipes can be established on R. dominica in the laboratory to get easy and abundant supply of the bug as an agent of biological control.

J. bio-sci. 27: 11-21, 2019