Comparative Predatory Efficiency of Acanthaspis pedestris Stal (Hemiptera:Reduviidae) on Two Cotton Pests

Abstract

The comparative predatory efficiency of Acanthaspis pedestris Sta1 a major reduviid predator of many insect pests in South India was assessed on two cotton pests, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) and Spodoptera litura Fabricius. Gradual increase in prey consUInption was recorded by the progression of the developmental stages of the predator. The adult female consumed more than the male. The consumption of predators was found to be decreased with the advancement of prey stages. First and second instar A. pedestris were limited in their ability to capture large sized prey in both the prey species. Among the two prey species, S. litura was the most preferred prey.