The intrinsic rate of natural increase of a harpactorine reduviid Rhynocoris kumarii Ambrose and Livingstone on three lepidopteran insect pests

Abstract

The biology, life tables and intrinsic rate of natural increase of a harpactorine reduviid R. kumarii [ R. kumari ] on three lepidopteran insect pests, Spodoptera litura, Earias vittella and Corcyra cephalonica have been constructed under laboratory conditions. Maximum longevity and fecundity and minimum total developmental period have been observed in R. kumarii by rearing on the larvae of S. litura. The net reproductive rate was highest on S. litura (83.80), followed by E. vittella (66.70) and C. cephalonica (56.90). The study revealed that the intrinsic rate of natural increase and finite rate of increase have been 0.050 and 1.051 for S. litura 0.042 and 1.043 for E. vittella and 0.039 and 1.039 females/female/day for C. cephalonica. S. litura has been found to be the most suitable prey species for laboratory multiplication of R. kumarii.