Life history and cost analysis for continuous rearing of Perillus bioculatus (Heteroptera : Pentatomidae) on a zoophytogenous artificial diet

Abstract

The impact of a zoophytogenous, insect-free artificial diet on the developmental rate, life history parameters, and fertility was examined over 11 consecutive generations for domesticated Perillus bioculatus (F.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). This study showed that when fed an insect-free artificial diet during both the nymphal and adult stages, developmental times were prolonged, and the net reproductive rates (R-0) and the intrinsic rates of increase (r(m)) were significantly lower than when fed larval Trichoplusia ni at both nymphal and adult stages. Moreover, the cost to rear F. bioculatus on the artificial diet approached 1.1 times the cost of rearing P. bioculatus on natural prey. These results demonstrate the effectiveness and potential cost-savings of the zoophytogenous artificial diet for rearing a beneficial pentatomid.