Predatory and Mating Behaviour of Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff.) (Heteroptera:Pentatomidae) a Promising Natural Enemy of Lepidopterous Larvae

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Authors

  • Biology Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad - 500 007 ,IN
  • Biology Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad - 500 007 ,IN

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18311/jbc/1993/15147

Keywords:

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.