SURVIVAL OF A CARRION BEETLE, NECRODES SURINAMENSIS (COLEOPTERA: SILPHIDAE), ON A DIET OF DEAD FALL ARMYWORM (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) LARVAE

In the laboratory, 95 adults of Necrodes surinamensis (F.) were maintained in containers with or without soil, either unfed or offered dead fall armyworm [Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith)] larvae, and monitored for survival. Significant differences in longevity were demonstrated within the parameters of diet (19.8 days with food, 3.7 d without), sex (13.7 d ♀, 9.9 d ♂), and generation (14.3 d overwintering, 9.3 d spring). No significant differences in longevity were observed between the two types of substrate, or within the group of unfed beetles.

This species is demonstrated to have a wider feeding niche than previously believed and to be potentially vulnerable to entomopathogen and insecticide control programs directed toward lepidopterous larval pests of crops.