Life table and age-dependent reproduction of the predatory bug Orius niger Wolff (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) at three constant temperatures: A demographic analysis

Abstract

The predatory bug Onus niger Wolff occurs throughout Iran in various climatic zones. Because of its apparent adaptation to these different climates, it is being considered as a potential biological control agent of the pest Thrips tabaci Lind, in various crops in Iran. We measured the basic life-history parameters of O. niger on a diet of corn pollen and eggs of the moth Ephestia kuehniella Zeller at 3 constant temperatures (26, 29 and 32°C under 16L-8D) to assess the possibility of culturing this predator for mass releases. Bean pods were supplied as oviposition sites. The intrinsic rate of increase was 0.113, 0.127 and 0.157 daughters/female/day at 26, 29, and 32°C respectively. Analysis of the mortality of eggs, juveniles and adults suggests that the population growth rate is restricted most by juvenile mortality. This mortality is probably caused by cannibalism, the occurrence of which should therefore be minimized in mass cultures.