Survival and Fecundity of Antilochus coquebertii (Hemiptera: Pyrrhocoridae) on Different Stages of Dysdercus koenigii (Hemiptera: Pyrrhocoridae)

ABSTRACT: The red cotton bug, Dysdercus koenigii F. (Hemiptera: Pyrrhocoridae) is a destructive pest of cotton in the cotton belt region of Pakistan. This pest attacks the cotton bolls, mature cotton seeds and causes serious damage to premature bolls. A trial was conducted under laboratory conditions to check the predatory potential of A. coquebertii on different stages of D. koenigii. Four stages of D. koenigii i.e. 3rd, 4th, 5th nymphal instars and adults were provided to A. coquebertii adults to check their survival, fecundity response and feeding potential. Results were statistically significant when comparing feeding preferences of A. coquebertii on different stages of D. koenigii. Adult male and female longevity of A. coquebertii was significantly higher when these insects were fed with 3rd instar nymphs of D. koenigii, which was 115.25 ± 6.91 and 88.75 ± 4.64 days, respectively. Maximum egg laying percentage of 34% was recorded on medium 3 and minimum egg laying percentage of 16% was recorded on medium 2. Based on the results of this study, survival and fecundity rate of A. coquebertii can be highly affected when the suitable stage of D. koenigii is not present.