Effects of Low-Temperature Storage on the Performance and Predation Capacity of Rhynocoris fuscipes (Hemiptera:...

Rhynocoris fuscipes (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is an important predatory insect that targets Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in tobacco fields. Here, laboratory tests were conducted to identify the optimal temperature, duration, and developmental stage for the low-temperature storage of R. fuscipes. This study examined the effects of storage temperatures (7°C°C, 9°C, 11°C, 13°C, 15°C) and durations (5d, 10d, 15d, 20d, 25d, 30d) on the hatching rate, lifespansr and survival rates of fifth-instar nymphs and adult females, egg production, adult female median lethal time, and the predation capacity of adult female R. fuscipes on S. litura. The results showed that under various low-temperature conditions, storing adult R. fuscipes was more effective than storing nymphs or eggs, and the optimal storage temperature ranged from 13 to 15°C. At 15°C, the average lifespan of adult female R. fuscipes was 25.47 days, with a median lethal time of 36.53 days. The eclosion rate for R. fuscipes eggs stored at 15°C for 12 days exceeded 78%. Storage temperature and duration significantly influenced the predation capacity of adult female R. fuscipes on S. litura. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the large-scale storage and transportation of R. fuscipes.