This study aimed to evaluate the effect of three different prey species on some biological aspects of the minute pirate bug Orius albidipennis . The third nymphal instar of two aphid species ; Aphis craccivora and Schizaphis graminum , and also the first instar larvae of Spodoptera litoralis were chosen as preys and offered to nymphs and adults of the predator O. albidipennis under laboratory conditions of at 26 ± 1°C and 60 ± 5% RH. Males lived shorter than females. While, the shortest development period ( 12.00±0.35 days ) was achieved when predatory insect was fed 1st instar larvae of S . litoralis . Feeding on S . litoralis or S. graminum shortened pre-oviposition period and prolonged the oviposition which resulted in a higher rate of fecundity. S . litoralis was the most suitable food source where it caused the highest rate of net reproduction ( 187.60 ±5.51 eggs / female ) . Throughout the whole nymphal stage , a single O. albidipennis is nymphal fed on total number of 243.40±14.90 S. graminum , 211.90±12.95 A . craccivora or 110.70±11.90 individuals of 1st instar larvae of S . litoralis . The mean total number of prey individuals was, significantly, higher in case of S. graminum than A . craccivora. These results should contribute to the development of mass rearing programs for biological control. |
