Comparative biology and morphometrics of Amphiareus constrictus on rice Moth Corcyra Cepahlonica and brown Planthopper Nilaparvata Lugens

Abstract

Amphiareus constrictus (Stal.) an anthocorid predator has been reported to feed on the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens Stal., a key pest of rice. Recently, the mass rearing of this predator has been standardized, offering scope for its utilization in applied biological control. Therefore a study was taken up to compare the life cycle and biology of the predator on its factitious host, Corcyra cepahlonica Stainton and the brown plant hopper in order to assess its potential for pest management. The total nymphal duration of A. constrictus when fed a diet of BPH eggs was observed to be 15.5 ± 0.35 days with a survival of 73.33 - 100 % for various instars. The biological parameters did not differ significantly from its factitious host Corcyra, indicating that it is a potential candidate for biological control.