Development, prey consumption and mass production of Chelisoches morio F. (Chelisochidae, Dermaptera)

Issue Date

10-2008

Abstract

The black earwig, Chelisoches morio F., undergoes 3 developmental stages, namely egg, nymph passing through 4 instars and adult. The duration of the different stages varied with the type of food/diet on which it was reared. Among the 3 diets tested, mealybug + dog food was the best, producing the biggest adults that lived longest and laid the greatest number of eggs. (Dog food was later replaced with fish food). All active stages of C. morio fed on all active stages of its preys, Dysmicoccus neobrevipes and Nipaeococcus. The functional responses of the predator to the two prey species were similar. The first and second instar predators consumed the greatest number of first instar prey mealybug nymphs, followed by the second and third instars and the fewest consumed were adults. The third instar, fourth and adult male and female predators generally consumed the greatest number of prey mealybugs. The functional response curves followed the Type II model of the Holling's disc equation. This indicates that C. morio is a voracious predator. Its big size and long adult life span make it a potential biological control agent in the field. The protocol for the mass rearing of C. morio using the plastic cage rearing method consists of the following basic materials and steps: 10 Prepare the rearing cage, a square plastic box fabricated/ sown using clear plastic sheets and provided with aeration windows covered with fine muslin cloth. The opening is zipper locked, 2)Line the bottom of the cage with a plastic sheet as receptacle for soil-coir dust mixture of 2 inches thick, 3) Place pieces of dried coconut leaves on top of the medium, 4) Place small cups and/or plastic pans containing fishfood randomly inside the cage, 5) To start a culture, dislodge 400 pairs of the predators from the stock culture onto the plastic cage and zip the cage. Keep the soil-coir dust mixture moist by sprinkling water and replenish the food at least twice a week or when necessary. To prevent ants from invading the cultures, place the bases of the stand supporting the rearing cages on cups with talc powder. After at least 3 months of continuous rearing, the cultures are ready for splitting.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

22

Issue

2

Page

202

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

DERMAPTERA; INSECTA; PREDATORY INSECTS; FOOD CONSUMPTION; ANIMAL DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES

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