Development of Orius vicinus (Ribaut) (Heteroptera : anthocoridae) on different prey

The survival, development and adult size of Orius vicinus were studied on f ive prey species, the mites Aculus schlechtendali, Panonychus ulmi and Tetr anychus urticae, and larvae of the insects Dasineura mall and Thrips obscur atus. Survival was high (74-100%) and O. vicinus was able to complete devel opment on all prey species in an average of 22-26 days at 20 degrees C. The most rapid development occurred on T. obscuratus, T. urticae and P. ulmi. Adult size,vas estimated from the length of the fifth instar cast skin, whi ch averaged 2.18 to 2.48 mm on different prey. The largess bugs were obtain ed from feeding on T. obscuratus or D. mall. O. vicinus, which were fed A. schlechtendali, were the slowest to develop and produced the smallest adult s. The results are discussed in relation to prey availability and observed predation in the field, and are compared with previous feeding studies.