Biology of Brontocoris tabidus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) fed with Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) larvae

Abstract

Development and reproductive performance of Brontocoris tabidus (Signoret) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) fed with Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) larvae was evaluated. Duration of the nymphal phase of this predator was 31.2 days, with a 44.1% survival rate. Preoviposition and egg incubation periods and number of eggs/egg mass were 8.14 days, 5.6 days, and 45.4, respectively. B. tabidus presented 44.7% egg viability. Female longevity of this predator was 18.4 days. Results are discussed based on this prey use in mass rearing and maintenance of colonies of B. tabidus under laboratory conditions.

Keywords

• Brontocoris tabidus
• Musca domestica
• reproduction
• insect rearing