The spined soldier bug Podisus: an important commercial and natural predator

Authors: Legaspi, Jesusa

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/18/2015
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris is an important generalist predator of many species of insect pests in different horticultural crops. We studied the effects of temperature, prey preference, reproduction in laboratory and field studies, and population dynamics. We found the following general results and conclusions: Total number of eggs laid per female ranged from 429 at 18°C to 755 at 26°C. For mass rearing P. maculiventris, 26°C is the optimal temperature tested, and female adult predators older than 21 days should not be used because they may not be capable of laying viable eggs. Using single prey species, P. maculiventris responds to reduced quantity of food by reducing reproduction, and increasing fat reserves while keeping longevity constant. Predation rates of Podisus maculiventris in the field are low - corresponding to females fed only once every 9 days in the laboratory. When offered different species of prey, P. maculiventris does not always prefer the prey that results in maximum reproduction. Prey species consumed affects lipid content. Females produce eggs continuously during their lifetime (synovigeny) – allowing them to adapt to changing food quantity and quality Polyphagy and the ability to survive food scarcity help make P. maculiventris an effective biological control agent.