Optimum density of Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) (Hemiptera:Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) to be considered for mass production under laboratory conditions

Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) is a potential native predator of lepidopteran larvae that can be easily reared under laboratory conditions and released in augmentative biocontrol for management of pests in various crops. For successful mass production of any predator cannibalism under crowded rearing conditions is the major limiting factor. In the present study, attempts were made to know the ideal population considered for group rearing with minimal or no cannibalism. It was recorded that the predator population of 5 to 25 on Corcyra cephalonica (S.) and Galleria mellonella L. and 5 to 30 on Samia cynthia ricini Boisd. and Spodoptera litura F. was feasible for group rearing with higher percent survival rate when reared in different group arenas. The survival percent was higher on hosts, C. cephalonica, G. mellonella, S. litura and recorded lower on S. cynthia ricini under group rearing condition.