HOST-STAGE SPECIFIC EFFECTS ON THE BIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF XYLO CHORIS FLAVIPES (REUTER) PREYED ON CRYP

Abstract

The biological parameters of predator Xylocoris flavipes (Reuter) was observed from experiments when they were reared on specific host-stages like eggs, larvae and pupae of Cryptolestes pusillus (Schon.), under laboratory condi tions. The minimum developmental time of X. flavipes was found 12 ± 1.15 days when preyed on host pupae, but maximum time of 22.06 days needed when it preyed on 2nd instar larvae of the host. The maximum longevity of X. flavipes females was 31 ± 1.15 days but minimum 14 ± 1.15 days when fed on 2nd instar larvae while the highest was 12 ± 1.15 days but lowest was 6 ± 0.58 days when fed on pupae of C. pusillus. The predator consumed a large number of host eggs (male: 16.33, female: 20.67) but minimum of host pupae (male: 4.33, female: 5.67). The sur vivability of male adults was higher than female adults. The females are larger in size than male. The results indi cated that the number of X. flavipes was significantly varied among the life stages of the host. This study summa rize the importance of life stages of C. pusillus for mass utilization of predator, X. flavipes.