Development and survival of nymphs of Podisus nigrispinus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) fed with caterpillars of Chlosyne lacinia saundersii (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

ABSTRACT

The development and survival of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera Pentatomidae) nymphs fed on larvae of Chlosyne lacinia saundersii Doubleday & Hewitson (Lepidoptera Nymphalidae) was studied at 25 ± 1ºC, 68 ± 10 percent relative humidity and 12 h photo phase. P. nigrispinus developed until the adult stage when fed on C. lacinia saundersii caterpillars. However, the survival rate of P. nigrispinus during early instars allowed this predator to complement its diet with other preys and to maintain its populations in areas with the sunflower culture.