Natural occurrence of predatory bugs, Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) and Andrallus spinidens (Fabr.) on Spodoptera frugiperd (Smith) (Hemiptera:Pentatomidae) in maize and their potential in management of fall army worm

Abstract

Two species of predacious bugs, Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) and Andrallus spinidens (Fabr.) (Hemiptera:Pentatomidae) were found effectively preying on Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) in organically grown maize from 28 to 56 days at GKVK, Bangalore. Population of E. furcellata in one square metre was more than A. spinidens during the 38 th and 39 th standard meteorological weeks. Adults and nymphs of both the species preyed on different stages of S. frugiperda larvae. These two species being initial colonizers has a potential in integrated management of fall army worm.