Role of Honeydew of Rice Hoppers as a Kairomone and Nutrient to the Predatory Mirid Bugs, Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter and Tytthus parviceps (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae)

Honeydew of brown planthopper (BPH), whitebacked planthopper (WBPH) and green leafhopper (GLH) of rice was evaluated for its role as an attractant and nutrient to their egg predators, Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter and Tytthus parviceps (Reuter). The mirid bugs were attracted in more numbers to plants coated with honeydew than that of distilled water. The mirid bugs survived for 4-6 days on honeydew and 11-20 days on insect prey. It was found that honeydew attracts mirid bugs to the treated surface but it could not support the survival of mirid bugs for longer time.