Reproduction and survival of the predatory bug <i>Orius albidipennis</i> on various arthropod prey

Abstract

Abstract The daily rate of oviposition, fecundity, survival and adult longevity of Orius albidipennis (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) were studied in the laboratory in Israel. These parameters were compared on three arthropod prey species: the two‐spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch; the onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman; and eggs of the almond moth, Ephestia cautella Walker. The fecundity and survival on the thrips diet (217.2 eggs/female and 98.7%, respectively) and on moth eggs (184.1 eggs/female and 84.6%, respectively) were significantly higher than on the spider mite diet (110.9 eggs/female and 40.4%, respectively). Female longevity was significantly higher on Ephestia eggs (63.0 days) than on thrips (45.1 days) and mites (35.1 days). There were no significant differences in male longevity among the three diets (57.5, 64.1 and 54.5 days, respectively).