FEEDING AND DEVELOPMENT OF NABIS ROSEIPENNIS (HEMIPTERA: NABIDAE) ON HELIOTHIS VIRESCENS (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) LARVAE¹

Feeding, development, and duration of life stages of Nabis roseipennis Reuter, on different size (2, 3, 4, or 5 mm) early instar Heliothis virescens (F.) larvae were studied in the laboratory. Three or 4-mm larvae were optimum for feeding, consumption, and development of nymphs and adults. Nabis roseipennis fed 3 or 4 mm larvae consumed more and survived longer than those fed 2 or 5 mm larvae. Prey size significantly affected the duration of the individual 5 nymphal stages. Nymphs fed 3 or 4 mm larvae developed faster than those fed 2 or 5 mm larvae. Nymphs feeding on 2 mm larvae did not develop to adults. Nymphs and adults can survive and mature satisfactorily for extended periods on small prey, but need larger prey to accelerate development and maintain a high growth potential.