Storage studies of different stages of Anthocoris minki Dohrn (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) under low temperatures

Abstract

The goal of this study was to evaluate the biological parameters of the predator Anthocoris minki Dohrn (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) over various periods of growth at low temperatures. Storage studies were conducted for the following three stages: 1) 1-3 stage nymphs, 2) 4-5 stage nymphs, and 3) adult stages. All stages of the predator were stored at 7, 11, and 15 ± 1°C for 10, 20, 30, and 40 days under continuous scotophase. During storage, food eggs of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) were added once a week. Following storage, the predator was transferred to long day periods (16:8 [L:D] h, 25 ±1 oC). A lower survival rate (7.33%) was determined for the 1-3 nymph stage following storage at 7°C for 40 days. The highest survival percentage (90.0-92.0%) was determined for 1-3 stage nymphs and adult stage stored at 11°C for 10-30 days. The largest quantity of eggs was obtained when A. minki was stored at 11°C. Overall, our results indicated that A. minki can be stored for up to 40 days at 11°C.