Influence of feeding interval on reproduction and longevity ofPodisus sagitta (Het.: Pentatomidae) |
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Authors: | P de Clercq D Degheele |
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Institution: | (1) Laboratory of Agrozoology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Gent, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Gent, Belgium |
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Abstract: | The effect of various feeding intervals on reproduction and longevity of the predatory bugPodisus sagitta (Fabricius) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) was studied in the laboratory. Isolated pairs of adult bugs were given moisture in
excess and were fed 1 seventh-instar larva of the greater wax moth,Galleria mellonella (L.), with a mean weight of 90 mg every 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days. Reproduction ofP. sagitta reflected well the feeding intervals. Females fed at increasing time intervals reduced reproductive outputs by decreasing
oviposition frequency and size of egg batches. Predators fed every 21 days produced a mean of only 1.0 egg per day in comparison
with 9.9 eggs per day for females fed daily. Longevity of females fed daily was 110.7 days; females fed less frequently tended
to live longer, with a maximum mean longevity of 217.5 days for females fed every 14 days. No cannibalism among adults was
observed, but females were occasionally seen to feed on their own eggs. Availability of moisture was found to be essential
for the predators to survive during periods of low food supplies. These findings are discussed in relation to the predator's
adaptation strategies in conditions of prey scarcity.
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Keywords: | Podisus sagitta predatory bug prey regimens reproduction adaptation |
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