Nymphal development and reproduction of Podisus nigrispinus (Heteroptera :Pentatomidae) fed with combinations of Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera : Tenebrionidae) pupae and Musca domestica (Diptera : Muscidae) larvae

The development and reproduction of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteropte ra: Pentatomidae) fed on Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) an d Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) were studied in four treatments. P . nigrispinus was permitted to feed on: (1) T. molitor pupae (T-1); (2) Mus ca domestica larvae (T-2); (3) both prey supplied simultaneously (T-3); (4) both prey supplied on alternate days (T-4). Duration of the nymphal period of P. nigrispinus was similar in all diets studied with nymphal viability of approximately 75%. Heavier females were obtained in T-1 and T-4, but no correlation between this factor and the reproductive rate of the predator w as found. Therefore, the use of body weight as a parameter to evaluate rear ing quality should be approached with caution. However; females of this pre dator showed higher egg and nymph production when they received both prey. For this reason P. nigrispinus should be reared with T. molitor and M. dome stica simultaneously or on alternate days.