Feeding and oviposition preference of anthocorid predator, Blaptostethus pallescens Poppius to different prey species

Abstract

Laboratory studies were conducted on the feeding and oviposition preference of anthocorid predator, Blaptostethus pallescens Poppius through behavioural bioassay to different prey species. The orientation and predation of B. pallescens was maximum on Corcyra eggs followed by spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch. The least preferred prey was whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus. Among host plants tested, the nymphs and adults of B. pallescens preferred to orient and predate more preys on brinjal followed by bhendi. The least preferred host was cluster bean. Even though French bean pod was commonly used in mass culturing of B. pallescens, green pods of cluster bean were the most preferred substrate for oviposition. And also, the eggs laid on cluster bean pods showed the maximum hatching. The adults of B. pallescens provided with honey and water along with the normal diet of Corcyra eggs showed increased fecundity.