Development, reproduction and predatory performance of the zoophytophagous bug Podisus distinctus (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) fed with Musca domestica Linnaeus (Diptera: Muscidae) larvae immobilized or free

Abstract

Researches with predatory true bugs are crucial for biological control programs. Pairs of Podisus distinctus were fed with immobilized or free Musca domestica larvae, aiming to verify the influence of prey mobility on predatory capacity and biology of the predator, compared to the use of Tenebrio molitor pupae. Consumption of M. domestica larvae was also compared between adults of P. distinctus and Podisus nigrispinus. The number of larvae consumed and female reproductive parameters were similar between treatments. However, females fed with T. molitor laid more eggs and clutches per female, and showed shortest oviposition interval, confirming that M. domestica larvae may be not appropriate preys to rear P. distinctus, independently of their mobility. P. nigrispinus had higher predation on M. domestica larvae than P. distinctus, suggesting that the former species can properly use this alternative prey.