Behaviour of orius insidiosus say (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) towards its prey, thrips palmi karny (thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Abstract

The behaviour of 5th instar nymphs and adult males and females of anthocorid bug, Orius insidiosus preying on adult Thrips palmi was studied. Adult O. insidiosus males spent longest time in motion compared with 5th instar nymphs and adult females. First encounter of prey was shortest for 5th instar nymphs but not significantly different from that of adult females. The distance travelled to 1st prey by 5th instar nymphs was significantly shortest compared to both adult male and female O. insidiosus. However, speed of arrival to 1st prey did not significantly differ among the three stages of O. insidiosus examined. Mean time spent by O. insidiosus 5th instar nymphs and adult females on 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th prey encounters was not significantly different. However, adult males of O. insidiosus spent significantly less time on 4th prey encounter compared with 1st-3rd prey encounters.