Biological aspects and predation behavior of Ceraeochrysa cubana against Spodoptera frugiperda

Abstract

Mortality of neonate larvae and eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda has an important contribution to the management of this pest. This work aimed to determine the development, quantify the consumption, the time of search and handling of eggs of S. frugiperda by Cereaochrysa cubana. The duration of development and the survival of C. cubana were determined using eggs of the alternative prey Anagasta kuehniella; eggs, newborn caterpillars and combined feeding of egg + newborn caterpillars of S. frugiperda. The daily and total consumption, the search and handling time were also evaluated, comparing eggs and caterpillars of S. frugiperda as prey. The duration of the larvae to adult phase of C. cubana was prolonged when the food was newborn caterpillars or eggs + newborn caterpillars of S. frugiperda (35.7 and 34.6 days) when compared to eggs of A. kuehniella and S. frugiperda (25.5 and 25.9 days). The predator’s larvae showed a shorter larval and adult period when fed with eggs in relation to caterpillars. Larval viability of C. cubana was lower when fed with eggs + newborn caterpillars. Higher consumption and shorter search and handling time on newborn caterpillars of S. frugiperda, compared to prey eggs, are carried out by larvae of C. cubana during the third instar.