Predatory and Mating Behaviour of Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff.) (Heteroptera:Pentatomidae) a Promising Natural Enemy of Lepidopterous Larvae
Jump To References Section
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18311/jbc/1993/15147Keywords:
Eocanthecona furcellata, Predator, Mating Behaviour, Rostral Sensilla, Feeding Mechanism.Abstract
The carnivorous stink bug Eocanthecona furcellata(Wolff.) is a polyphagous insect and is a potential biocontrol agent of several lepidopterous pests. The present study describes the predatory behaviour, the mechanism of feeding, intra-specific responses and cannibalism. The predators could withstand up to 72 h starvation and temperature upto 40°C. Females ingested more prey tissue than males. The efficient killing ability and polyphagy make E. furcellata a promising predator for biocontrol of lipidopterous larvae in -tropical and semi-tropical climates.