Feeding Potential and Prey Acceptance of Podisus maculiventris (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): Implications for Biological Pest Control

Determination of feeding potential and prey acceptance of natural enemies is crucial to assure that natural enemies can control target pest species. This study was conducted to investigate feeding potential and prey acceptance of a generalist predator, Podisus maculiventris (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). A series of laboratory experiments were conducted to quantify feeding potential of P. maculiventris by measuring daily feeding amount and to determine prey acceptance by analyzing feeding behavior of P. maculiventris on various types of prey. The result of this study showed that the amount of prey consumption differed significantly (F = 38.48; d.f. = 5, 44; P <0.05) among stages of P. maculiventris. P. maculiventris attempted to attack Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), but could not sustain effective feeding due to behavioral and chemical defense of the prey. P. maculiventris showed significantly (P < 0.05) less effective feeding on prey with spines or hairs such as Evergestis rimosalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and Hyphantria cunea (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae). Utilization of P. maculiventris for controlling various types of pests for augmentative biological control is discussed in this article.