Biological parameters of the predator, Amphibolus venator Klug (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) preying on larvae of Tribolium confusum Duv. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Certain biological aspects of the predator, Amphibolus venator Klug (Reduviidae: Hemiptera) had been studies when preyed on larvae of Tribolium confusum Duv. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) under laboratory conditions. Development and reproductive capacity of the predator were investigated at three constant degrees of temperatures (20, 27 and 35 ± 1 °C) combined with three relative humidities (50, 60 and 70 ± 5 R.H.). The data revealed that the adult predator consumed an average of 354.3 prey at 27 °C and 60% R.H. These conditions seemed to be optimum for rearing the experimental predator when fed on larvae of T. confusum. At these conditions, oviposition periods, number of deposited eggs and preying capacity were highest and associated with lowest mortalities in mature and immature stages compared with other conditions.