Biology and Prey Influence on the Postembryonic Development of Rhynocoris Longifrons (Stål) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), a Potential Biological Control Agent

Abstract

Rhynocoris longifrons (Stål) is a ferrugineous and griseously sericeous harpactorine, alate and multivolitine assassin bug inhabiting concealed microhabitats such as beneath the boulders and in small crevices. It lays eggs in batches and the eggs hatch in 7.8 ± 1.5 to 8.3 ± 1.0 day. The total nymphal development period ranges from 58.6 ± 2.2 to 72.6 ± 4.7 days. The females lived longer than the males. The sex ratio was female-biased. A brief description of egg, nymphal instar and a redescription of adult male are given. The prey influence on the incubation, developmental, pre-oviposition periods, sex ratio, adult longevity, fecundity and hatchability was studied on four different prey species such as Corcyra cecphaionica Stainton, Odontotermes obesus Rambur, Clavigralla gibbosa Spinola and Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner). H. armigera fed individuals exhibited shorter preoviposition, incubation and stadial periods and these parameters were extended in C. cephalonica, C. gibbosa and O. obesus fed R. longifrons. The nymphal longevity, fecundity and hatchability were greater in H. armigera fed individuals. The nymphal mortality was lower in H. armigera fed individuals.