P. Usha Rani ¹, Ilkka Havukkala ¹

Affiliations
1 Biology Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad - 500 007, IN

Abstract

The carnivorous stink bug Eocanthecona furcellata(Wolff.) is a polyphagous insect and is a potential biocontrol agent of several lepidopterous pests. The present study describes the predatory behaviour, the mechanism of feeding, intra-specific responses and cannibalism. The predators could withstand up to 72 h starvation and temperature upto 40°C. Females ingested more prey tissue than males. The efficient killing ability and polyphagy make E. furcellata a promising predator for biocontrol of lipidopterous larvae in -tropical and semi-tropical climates.

Keywords

Eocanthecona furcellata, Predator, Mating Behaviour, Rostral Sensilla, Feeding Mechanism.

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P. Usha Rani ¹

Affiliations
1 Biology Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500 007, IN

Abstract

The effect of different temperatures (IS, 20, 25, 30 and 35°C) on growth and food consumption of a pentatomid predator, Eocanthecona furcellata were studied in the laboratory. Higher temperatures (15°C) accelerated the growth period thereby reducing the time to the adult maturity, coupled with an increase in the food comsumptlon. Lower temperatures (20°C), had opposite effects and arrested egg development. Prey capture efficiency, increased with increasing temperature. Males killed greater number of prey than did the females, but the latter consumed a larger amount of prey than did the males.

Keywords

Eocanthecona furcellata, Effect of Temperature, Prey Capture Efficiency, Spodoptera litura, Food Consumption, Growth, Reproduction, Prey.

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