Breeding the predatory bug Podisus maculiventris Say to protect potatoes from Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say

Abstract

The predator Podisus maculiventris Say is a representative of the order Hemiptera, family Pentatomidae. This insect is promising in the battle against the Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say. For the successful use of P. maculiventris in the climatic conditions of the Russian Federation and other countries where this predator isn’t found, it is necessary to develop methods of its artificial reproduction. The paper provides information on the selection of food based on the use of phytophagous insects and pests. Among the subjects Galleria mellonella L. caterpillars, Tenebrio molitor L. larvae and pupae, Ephestia kuehniella Zll. caterpillars, as well as Zophobas morio Fabr larvae were used. As a result of the experiment, T. molitor was recognized as the most effective insect prey in terms of biological and economic indicators. When using Tenebrio molitor, the imago yield of P. maculiventris amounted to 81.0-90.5%, which was the best indicator in comparison with other options.