Effect of the Combination Floral and Diet Resources on Development of Big-Eyed Bug Geocoris ochropterus (Fieber) (Hemiptera: Geocoridae) at Different Temperature

Abstract

The big-eyed bug, Geocoris ochropterus Fieber, is a polyphagous predator. Although there have been many publications on the rearing of big-eyed bugs by using other insects, their ability to use flowers as a source of nutrition or habitat has not been previously reported. The diets included Zinnia elegans (A), 10% honey solution (B) ant pupae and Zinnia elegans (C), mealybug and Zinnia elegans (D) treatments at 10°C, 20°C, and 30°C. Significant differences in survival rates were observed among the diets when the nymphs reached the first and second instars at 10°C. Significant differences in growth and development indicators of big-eyed bugs were found among the treatments during the second, third, fourth and fifth moults at 30°C. Additionally, body size and dry weight of adult G. ochropterus grown on different diets were measured at 20°C and 30°C. At 20°C, male body size parameters did not significantly differ among the diets, except for head width. At 30°C, body length and dry weight of males showed significant differences among the diets, while head width and dry weight of females also varied significantly among diets. The study indicates that the combination of floral resources and diet can affect the development of G. ochropterus at different temperatures.