Abstract
Biological control using the polyphagous predator big-eyed bug Geocoris varius (Uhler) (Hemiptera: Geocoridae) is currently being investigated in Japan. However, the production costs of G. varius are relatively high because the eggs of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera; Pyralidae) are used as the major food source for mass rearing. Development time and reproductive fitness were therefore examined for G. varius fed two types of artificial diet based on liver and ground pork. The diets were administered either by wrapping in Parafilm® or by presenting the food in lyophilized form. The results were compared with those obtained by rearing G. varius on E. kuehniella eggs. Although development time of Geocoris varius fed the artificial diets was significantly delayed compared with G. varius fed on E. kuehniella eggs, delays are slight and not serious for mass rearing projects. The findings suggested that both artificial diets could be used to reduce the costs associated with mass rearing of G. varius.
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Acknowledgments
We sincerely thank Dr Y. Choh and Dr K. Nakamuta of Chiba University for their constructive comments. We also thank Dr H. Oida of Chiba Prefectural and Forestry Research Center for providing us with G. varius.
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Igarashi, K., Nomura, M. Development and reproduction of Geocoris varius (Hemiptera: Geocoridae) on two types of artificial diet. Appl Entomol Zool 48, 403–407 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13355-013-0185-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13355-013-0185-3