Comparative Biology and Prey Preference of Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter and Tytthus parviceps (Reuter) (Hemiptera:Miridae) on Planthoppers and Leafhopper of Rice

Abstract

Biology and host preference of Cyrtorhinus lividipennis and Tytthus parviceps and their predatory efficiency on rice planthoppers and leafhoppers were studied in the greenhouse. The fecundity, nymphai survival, body weight and body size of both C. lividipennis and T. parviceps were significantly higher on BPH oviposited plants compared to those on WBPH or GLH ofiposited plants. There was no significant difference in the adult female and male longevity on different hosts. In general, the adults survived for 11-20 days. The pre-oviposition period ranged from 1.5 to 2.8 days on different hosts. Incubation and nymphai periods were prolonged on GLH oviposited plants compared to BPH and WBPH oviposited rice plants. In both choice and no choice tests, C. lividipennis and T. parviceps preferred and consumed more BPH and WBPH eggs than GLH eggs.  nymphs were better predators than adults whereas the predatory efficiency of nymphs and adults was similar in T. parvicepsC. lividipennis. It is evident that BPH is the preferred and primary host for both C. lividipennis and T. parviceps and they secondarily adapted to WBPH and GLH.