Comparative Predatory Efficiency of <I>Acanthaspis pedestris </I>Stal (Hemiptera:Reduviidae) on Two Cotton Pests

P. J. Edward George

doi:10.18311/jbc/2004/4083

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Authors

P. J. Edward George
Entomology Research Unit, St. Xavier's College, Palayankottai 627002, Tamil Nadu ,IN

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18311/jbc/2004/4083

Keywords:

Acantiraspis pedestris, Helicoverpa armigera, Nymphal Instal's, Predatory Efficiency, S. litura.

Abstract

The comparative predatory efficiency of Acanthaspis pedestris Sta1 a major reduviid predator of many insect pests in South India was assessed on two cotton pests, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) and Spodoptera litura Fabricius. Gradual increase in prey consUInption was recorded by the progression of the developmental stages of the predator. The adult female consumed more than the male. The consumption of predators was found to be decreased with the advancement of prey stages. First and second instar A. pedestris were limited in their ability to capture large sized prey in both the prey species. Among the two prey species, S. litura was the most preferred prey.