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Thermal activity thresholds of the predatory mirid Nesidiocoris tenuis: implications for its efficacy as a biological control agent

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Abstract

This study investigates the thermal activity thresholds of the predatory mirid Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter (Hemiptera: Miridae) and two spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). Adult N. tenuis lost locomotory function and entered chill coma at significantly lower temperatures (4.0°C and 0.3°C, respectively) than adult T. urticae (7.0°C and 5.7°C, respectively). However, the mirids were more adversely affected by high temperatures, with T. urticae losing the ability to walk and entering heat coma at higher temperatures (47.3°C and 49.7°C, respectively) than N. tenuis (43.5°C and 46.6°C, respectively). Across a range of temperatures (2.5–20°C) adult N. tenuis had faster walking speeds than T. urticae. These data are discussed in relation to the climatic conditions under which N. tenuis would be an effective biocontrol agent.

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Acknowledgments

Gwennan E. Hughes was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) in a CASE studentship with Biobest Belgium.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK

    Gwennan E. Hughes, Lucy Alford & Jeffrey S. Bale

  2. Biobest N.V., Westerlo, Belgium

    Guido Sterk

Authors
  1. Gwennan E. Hughes
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  2. Lucy Alford
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  3. Guido Sterk
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  4. Jeffrey S. Bale
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Correspondence to Gwennan E. Hughes.

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Handling Editor: Patrick De Clercq.

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Hughes, G.E., Alford, L., Sterk, G. et al. Thermal activity thresholds of the predatory mirid Nesidiocoris tenuis: implications for its efficacy as a biological control agent. BioControl 55, 493–501 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-010-9267-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-010-9267-0

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