ABSTRACT Population dynamics of aphids have been studied in sole and intercropping systems. These studies have required the use of more precise analytical tools in order to better understand patterns in quantitative data. Mathematical models are among the most important tools to explain the dynamics of insect populations. This study investigated the population dynamics of aphids Aphis gossypii and Aphis craccivora over time, using mathematical models composed of a set of differential equations as a helpful analytical tool to understand the population dynamics of aphids in arrangements of cotton and cowpea. The treatments were sole cotton, sole cowpea, and three arrangements of cotton intercropped with cowpea (t1, t2 and t3). The plants were infested with two aphid species and were evaluated at 7, 14, 28, 35, 42, and 49 days after the infestations. Mathematical models were used to fit the population dynamics of two aphid species. There were good fits for aphid dynamics by mathematical model over time. The highest population peak of both species A. gossypii and A. craccivora was found in the sole crops, and the lowest population peak was found in crop system t2. These results are important for integrated management programs of aphids in cotton and cowpea.

ABSTRACT The intercropping is an important cultural practice commonly used in pest management. It is based on the principle that increased plant diversity in the agro-ecosystem can lead to reductions of pest populations in the crop. The current study aimed to assess the impact the colored fiber cotton-cowpea intercropped systems on Aphis gossypii and Aphis craccivora and on their predator Cycloneda sanguinea and the losses and the dispersion behavior of these aphids and their predator in these cropping systems. The experiment had a randomized block experimental design with two bioassays and four treatments. The number of apterous and alate aphids (A. gossypii) per cotton plant was 1.46 and 1.73 or 1.97 and 2.19 times highest in the solid cotton system than that found in the cotton-cowpea intercropped systems (S1) and (S2), respectively. On the other hand, the cotton-cowpea intercropped systems (S1 and S2) reduced, respectively, in 43% and 31% the number of apterousA. gossypiiper cotton plant compared to the control. Implementing cotton-cowpea intercropped system in the S1 scheme reduced A. gossypii infestation, favored the multiplication of C. sanguinea, and allowed obtaining heavier open bolls.

ABSTRACT The host acceptance behavior and environmental factors as temperature affect the feeding behavior of Lepidoptera pests. Thus, they must be considered in studies about the risk potential of resistance evolution. The current study sets the differences in the feeding behavior of neonate Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae exposed to Bt and non-Bt cotton plants, under different temperatures and time gap after hatching. Two cotton cultivars were used: the Bt (DP 404 BG - bollgard) and the non-transformed isoline, DP 4049. We found that the feeding behavior of neonate A. argillacea is significantly different between Bt and non-Bt cotton. Based on the number of larvae with vegetal tissue in their gut found on the plant and in the organza as well as on the amount of vegetal tissue ingested by the larvae. A. argillacea shows feeding preference for non-Bt cotton plants, in comparison to that on the Bt. However, factors such as temperature and exposure time may affect detection capacity and plant abandonment by the larvae and it results in lower ingestion of vegetal tissue. Such results are relevant to handle the resistance of Bt cotton cultivars to A. argillacea and they also enable determining how the cotton seeds mix will be a feasible handling option to hold back resistance evolution in A. argillacea populations on Bt cotton, when it is compared to other refuge strategies. The results can also be useful to determine which refuge distribution of plants is more effective for handling Bt cotton resistance to A. argillacea.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a distribuição espacial e temporal de Sarsina violascens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Lymantriinae) em duas plantações de Eucalyptus cloeziana, uma com faixas de vegetação nativa (CFVN) e outra sem (SFVN). Adultos foram coletados com armadilhas luminosas, as quais foram instaladas: no interior de uma área com vegetação nativa (Cerrado), a 100 m da borda; na zona de contato entre a vegetação nativa e a plantação de E. cloeziana; no interior da plantação de E. cloeziana, a 250 m da borda; na parte central da faixa de vegetação nativa, cerca de 500 m da borda (CFVN) ou na zona de contato entre dois talhões de E. cloeziana (SFVN); e no interior da plantação de E. cloeziana, a 500 m da borda. O número de adultos de S. violascens coletados foi de 240 no sistema CFVN e de 1.378 no sistema SFVN. O menor número de indivíduos no sistema CFVN provavelmente foi devido ao favorecimento do controle biológico pelo aumento da riqueza de espécies com o uso de faixas de vegetação nativa. Essas faixas, intercaladas com plantações de E. cloeziana, possibilitam maior proporção de floresta nativa na paisagem e podem auxiliar na redução de infestações por S. violascens.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate spatial and temporal distributions of Sarsina violascens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Lymantriinae) in two Eucalyptus cloeziana plantations, one with native vegetation strips (WNVS) and another without them (ONVS). Adults were collected with light traps, which were installed: inside an area of native vegetation (Cerrado), 100 m from the edge; at the contact zone between the native vegetation area and the E. cloeziana plantation; inside the E. cloeziana plantation, 250 m from the edge; at the central part of the native vegetation strip, around 500 m from the edge (WNVS) or in the contact zone between two E. cloeziana compartments (ONVS); and inside the E. cloeziana plantation, 500 m from the edge. The number of S. violascens adults collected was 240 in the system WNVS and 1,378 in the system ONVS. The lower number of individuals in the system WNVS was probably due to favored biological control provided by higher species richness with the use of native vegetation strips. These strips, intermingled with E. cloeziana plantations, allow a higher proportion of native forest in the landscape and can help to reduce S. violascens infestations.

Nós descrevemos a distribuição vertical e horizontal do pulgão do algodoeiro Aphis gossypii Glover dentro da planta de algodão (Gossypium hirsutum Linnaeus), em dois cultivares com fibras coloridas (BRS Safira and BRS Rubí) ao longo do seu desenvolvimento. Medidas de dinâmicas de populações e distribuição de A. gossypii nas plantas de algodão foram registradas em intervalos de sete dias. O número de afídeos ápteros ou alados e suas localizações específicas foram registrados, usando-se como ponto de referência a localização do nó no caule principal da planta e também aqueles presentes nas folhas de ramos e estruturas frutíferas. O número de afídeos ápteros encontrados na cultivar BRS Safira (56.515 afídeos) foi maior do que o encontrado na BRS Rubí (50.537 afídeos). Não houve diferença significativa entre o número de afídeos alados encontrados na BRS Safira (365 afídeos/planta) e na BRS Rubí (477 afídeos/planta). Ocorreram interações entre cultivar de algodão e idade da planta, entre região da planta e idade da planta e entre cultivar e região da planta para pulgões ápteros. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo são de grande importância na melhoria das estratégias de controle de A. gossypii nas cultivares de algodão com fibras coloridas BRS Safira e BRS Rubí.

We describe the vertical and horizontal distribution of the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii Glover within a cotton plant in two cotton (Gossypium hirsutum Linnaeus) cultivars (BRS Safira and BRS Rubí) with colored fiber over the time. Measurements of aphid population dynamics and distribution in the cotton plants were recorded in intervals of seven days. The number of apterous or alate aphids and their specific locations were recorded, using as a reference point the location of nodes on the mainstem of the plant and also those on the leaves present on branches and fruit structures. The number of apterous aphids found on the cultivar BRS Safira (56,515 aphids) was greater than that found on BRS Rubí (50,537 aphids). There was no significant difference between the number of alate aphids found on the cultivars BRS Safira (365 aphids/plant) and BRS Rubí (477 aphids/plant). There were interactions between cotton cultivar and plant age, between plant region and plant age, and between cultivar and plant region for apterous aphids. The results of this study are of great importance in improving control strategies for A. gossypii in the naturally-colored cotton cultivars BRS Safira and BRS Rubí.

Estudamos os efeitos da temperatura na reprodução de Bracon vulgaris Ashmead, ectoparasitóide do bicudo-do-algodoeiro, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, em câmaras climatizadas, em temperaturas constantes de 20, 25 and 30ºC, umidade relativa do ar de 70 ± 10% e fotofase de 14 h. As fêmeas do parasitóide produziram mais ovos a 25ºC (124,65 ovos) do que aquelas expostas a 20 (43,40 ovos) e a 30ºC (49,60 ovos). O número médio de larvas parasitadas por fêmea de B. vulgaris a 25ºC(71,75 larvas) foi maior do que a 20ºC (31,40 larvas) e 30ºC (25,15 larvas). As taxas diárias de aumento (r m) foram -0,007 a 20ºC, 0,07 a 25ºC e 0,03 a 30ºC, indicando que a temperatura de 25ºC produziu aumento de 1100 e 133% no valor de r m em relação às temperaturas de 20 e 30ºC, respectivamente. Nos programas de controle biológico do bicudo-do-algodoeiro, usando liberações inoculativas deve-se utilizar fêmeas adultasde B. vulgaris com aproximadamente 5 dias (a 25 ou 30ºC) ou 20 dias de idade (a 20ºC); quando usando liberações inundativas, utilizar fêmeas adultas de B. vulgaris , com idade entre 11 e 31 dias (a 20ºC); 9 e 29 dias (a 25ºC) ou 3 e 14 dias (a 30ºC).

This research studied the effect of temperature on the reproduction of Bracon vulgaris Ashmead, an ectoparasitoid of cotton boll weevil ( Anthonomus grandis Boheman) at constant temperatures of 20, 25 and 30ºC, 70 ± 10% RH and a photophase of 14 h. Females of the parasitoid produced a greater number of eggs when exposed to 25ºC (124.65 eggs) in relation to those exposed to 20 (43.40 eggs) and 30ºC (49.60 eggs). The number of parasitized larvae per female of B. vulgaris at 25ºC (71.75) was greater than at 20ºC (31.40) and 30ºC (25.15). The daily intrinsic rates of increase (r m) were - 0.007 at 20ºC, 0.07 at 25ºC and 0.03 at 30ºC, revealing that the temperature of 25ºC produced increases of 1,100 and 133% in the value r m in relation to temperatures of 20 and 30ºC, respectively. In programs of biological control of the boll weevil using innoculative releases, adult females of B. vulgaris with approximately five (at 25 or 30ºC) or 20 day old (at 20ºC) should be used; when using innundative releases, adult females of B. vulgaris , with ages between 11 and 31; 9 and 29 or 3 and 14 days, respectively, at 20, 25 or 30ºC should be used.

Euselasia eucerus (Hewitson, 1872) (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae) é uma espécie brasileira nativa, comumente encontrada em plantios de Eucalyptus. Um estudo da mortalidade por fatores bióticos desse desfolhador foi feito em um plantio de Eucalyptus urophylla no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, com o objetivo de identificar os inimigos naturais e seu impacto sobre esse lepidóptero. Euselasia eucerus possui fatores bióticos de mortalidade durante todas as suas fases de desenvolvimento. Os mais importantes foram Trichogramma maxacalii Voegelé e Pointel, 1980 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) durante a fase de ovo (48,9%), um Diptera: Tachinidae durante a fase de larva (10%) e Itoplectis sp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) durante a fase pupal (52,2%). A taxa de parasitismo foi mais elevada na parte basal de plantas de eucalipto (37,8%).

Euselasia eucerus (Hewitson, 1872) (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae) is a Brazilian native species commonly found in Eucalyptus plantations. Biotic mortality factors of this defoliator were studied in a Eucalyptus urophylla plantation in Minas Gerais State, Brazil aiming to identify natural enemies and their impact on this insect. Euselasia eucerus had biotic mortality factors during all development stages. The most important were Trichogramma maxacalii Voegelé and Pointel, 1980 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) during egg stage (48.9%), a tachinid fly (Diptera: Tachinidae) during larval stages (10%) and Itoplectis sp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) during pupal stage (52.2%). The parasitism rate was higher in the basal part of the plant canopy (37.8%).

Objetivou-se determinar o efeito da defesa da presa Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) na taxa de predação por fêmeas de Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). Podisus nigrispinus, predou 1,0; 1,4; 1,2; 3,8; 3,0 lagartas de terceiro estádio de S. frugiperda com defesa, respectivamente, nas densidades de uma, duas, quatro, seis e oito lagartas, enquanto esses valores foram de 0,4; 0,8; 1,6; 2,8; 3,2 lagartas sem defesa, respectivamente, nessas densidades. A taxa de ataque (a) e o tempo de manipulação (Th) foram, respectivamente, de 0,67 ± 0,39-h e 6,72 ± 2,88 horas para fêmeas de P. nigrispinus alimentadas com lagartas com defesa e de 2,51 ± 0,16-h e 0,51 ± 0,77 horas para aquelas sem defesa. A resposta funcional do predador P. nigrispinus varia com a defesa e a densidade da presa S. frugiperda, com maior consumo de presas sem defesa em altas densidades.

The effect of the defense of the prey Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on predation rates of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) females was studied. P. nigrispinus preyed 1.0, 1.4, 1.2, 3.8 and 3.0 and 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 2.8 and 3.2 third instars of S. frugiperda larvae with and without defense, respectively, with the densities of one, two, four, six and eight larvae. The attack rate and the manipulation time were, respectively, 0.67 ± 0.39-h and 6.72 ± 2.88 h for P. nigrispinus females fed with larvae with defense and 2.51 ± 0.16-h and 0.51 ± 0.77 h for those without defense. The functional response of the predator P. nigrispinus varies with the defense and the density of the prey S. frugiperda, with larger consumption of prey without defense at higher densities.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a precisão dos modelos não lineares de Davidson (1942, 1944), Stinner et al. (1974), Sharpe & DeMichele (1977) e Lactin et al. (1995) no estudo da relação entre as taxas de desenvolvimento das diferentes fases de Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) e a temperatura. Os menores valores de R² para os modelos de Davidson (0,1593 a 0,2672, e de 0,1406 a 0,2804 para machos e fêmeas, respectivamente) e de Stinner et al. (0,2136 a 0,6389, e de 0,1417 a 0,3045 para machos e fêmeas, respectivamente), indicaram que esses modelos não são adequados para a estimativa do tempo de desenvolvimento de P. nigrispinus, em função da temperatura. Entretanto, os altos valores de R² para os modelos de Sharpe & DeMichele (0,9226 a 0,9893, e de 0,8818 a 0,9914 para machos e fêmeas, respectivamente), e de Lactin et al. (0,9485 a 0,9997, e de 0,8961 a 0,9997 para machos e fêmeas, respectivamente), indicaram que esses modelos são adequados para a estimativa do tempo de desenvolvimento de P. nigrispinus, em função da temperatura. Fêmeas de P. nigrispinus, na fase imatura, mostraram maior tolerância à alta temperatura, a qual é representada pelo parâmetro H H obtido do modelo de Sharpe & DeMichele. De acordo com este modelo, fêmeas de P. nigrispinus na fase imatura apresentam estresse térmico a 33,3°C, indicando que a estimativa da ação térmica máxima foi bastante realista.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the precision of the non linear models of Davidson (1942, 1944), Stinner et al. (1974), Sharpe & DeMichele (1977), and Lactin et al. (1995) to describe relationship between developmental rate of different stages of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) and temperature. Lower values of R² for the models of Davidson (0.1593 to 0.2672, and 0.1406 to 0.2804 for males and females, respectively) and of Stinner et al. (0.2136 to 0.6389, and 0.1417 to 0.3045 for males and females, respectively) showed that these models were not adequate to estimate developmental rate of P. nigrispinus as function of temperature. However, high values of R² for the models of Sharpe & DeMichele (0.9226 to 0.9893, and 0.8818 to 0.9914 for males and females, respectively), and of Lactin et al. (0.9485 to 0.9997, and 0.8961 to 0.9997 for males and females, respectively) showed that these models are suitable to estimate developmental rate of P. nigrispinus as function of temperature. Females of P. nigrispinus showed high tolerance to high temperature which is represented by high values of H H for immature stage of this insect obtained with the Sharpe & DeMichele model. According to this model females of P. nigrispinus present thermal stress at 33.3ºC, which indicates that maximum thermal estimated by this model was close to the real one.

Foram estudados, em câmara climatizada, a 30ºC, umidade relativa de 60 ± 10% e fotofase de 14h, os efeitos dos hospedeiros alternativos Euscepes postfasciatus (Fairmaire) e Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) na reprodução e ataque de Catolaccus grandis (Burks), parasitóide do bicudo-do-algodoeiro. Os hospedeiros alternativos C. maculatus e E. postfasciatus, proporcionaram ao parasitóide, taxas de desenvolvimento superiores às apresentadas por A. grandis. As taxas de parasitismo variaram de 44,3% no hospedeiro alternativo E. postfasciatus a 39,9% em A. grandis. O hospedeiro natural (bicudo) foi o que originou a maior porcentagem de pupas fêmeas (73,7%). C. grandis apresentou a mesma aceitação para oviposição em ambos hospedeiros alternativos, porém a maior produção de ovos foi obtida sobre E. postfasciatus. A oogênese do parasitóide foi estimulada de forma semelhante na presença dos hospedeiros A. grandis e E. postfasciatus, e ambos superaram o hospedeiro alternativo C. maculatus em número de ovos depositados nos cinco primeiros dias. A qualidade do hospedeiro afetou o período de oviposição e a longevidade do parasitóide, sendo o hospedeiro A. grandis responsável por menor expectativa de vida e menor período de oviposição. Larvas de E. postfasciatus ou C. maculatus podem ser usadas como hospedeiros alternativos de C. grandis e estimulam a oogênese em fêmeas de C. grandis.

The effects of the factitious hosts Euscepes postfasciatus (Fairmaire) and Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) on the reproduction and attack rates of Catolaccus grandis (Burks), parasitoid of the cotton boll weevil, were studied in bioclimate chambers, at 30ºC, relative humidity of 60 ± 10%, and a 14L:10D photoperiod. The factitious hosts C. maculatus and E. postfasciatus provided higher development rates than A. grandis. The parasitism rates ranged from 44.3% in E. postfasciatus to 39.9% in A. grandis. The natural host (cotton boll weevil) originated the highest female pupae percentage (73.7%). C. grandis showed the same acceptance for oviposition in both factitious hosts; however, the highest production of eggs was obtained on E. postfasciatus. The parasitoid oogenesis was stimulated in a similar way in the presence of the host A. grandis and factitious host E. postfasciatus, and both overcame the factitious host C. maculatus in number of eggs deposited in the first five days. The host quality affected the oviposition period and the longevity of the parasitoid, being the host A. grandis responsible for smallest life expectation and oviposition period. Larvae of E. postfasciatus and C. maculatus might be used as factitious hosts of C. grandis. These factitious hosts serve as hosts for parasitoid females of C. grandis to stimulate oogenesis.

Avaliou-se em laboratório a influência de quatro cultivares de batata-doce resistentes a Euscepes postfasciatus Fairmaire e duas suscetíveis, sobre o parasitismo e a biologia de Catolaccus grandis Burks. Seis raízes tuberosas de batata-doce de cada cultivar foram infestadas com adultos de E. postfasciatus durante 40 dias. Após esse período as larvas foram retiradas, pesadas e encapsuladas em parafilme e oferecidas em grupos de cinco, com chance e sem chance de escolha, a fêmeas grávidas de C. grandis por 12h. Foram feitas cinco repetições. Larvas parasitadas e os ovos do parasitóide sobre as mesmas foram contados. Em seguida as larvas foram colocadas em copos descartáveis de 500 ml. Diariamente foram efetuadas três observações para se determinar a duração de desenvolvimento das fases do parasitóide e sua sobrevivência. As fêmeas de C. grandis conseguiram distinguir as larvas de E. postfasciatus criadas em raízes tuberosas suscetíveis e resistentes, preferindo parasitar aquelas criadas sobre raízes tuberosas de cultivares suscetíveis. A sobrevivência de C. grandis foi maior em larvas de E. postfasciatus provenientes de genótipos suscetíveis e o número de fêmeas emergidas do parasitóide foi maior quando as larvas hospedeiras provieram de raízes tuberosas dessas cultivares.

The influence of four resistant and two susceptible genotypes of sweet potato to Euscepes postfasciatus Fairmaire on parasitism and biology of Catolaccus grandis Burks were evaluated under laboratory conditions. Six sweet potato roots of each genotype were infested with E. postfasciatus adults during 40 days. After this period the larvae were taken, weighted and encapsulated in parafilm. Five larvae were offered in free choice and no choice tests to C. grandis pregnant females for 12h. Five replications were used. The parasitized larvae and the eggs of the parasitoid were counted. Three daily observations were made to determine the developmental time of phases and parasitoid survival. C. grandis females can distinguish E. postfasciatus larvae reared on susceptible and resistant roots, prefering to parasitize larvae reared on susceptible roots. C. grandis survival was higher when the parasitoid was reared on larvae originated from susceptible roots and the number of emerged females was higher on larvae reared on hosts originated from susceptible roots.

O desenvolvimento, a sobrevivência e as exigências térmicas do pentatomídeo predador Supputius cincticeps (Stäl) foram estudados às temperaturas de 15, 18, 20, 23, 25, 28, 30 e 33°C, umidade relativa de 70 ± 10% e fotofase de 14 horas. O período de ovo a adulto variou de 27,7 (30°C) a 121,0 dias (15°C) para indivíduos que originaram machos, e de 30,3 (28°C) a 114,0 dias (15°C) para os que originaram fêmeas. A 33°C não ocorreu eclosão de ninfas de S. cincticeps. A sobrevivência de S. cincticeps na fase de ovo variou de 23,5 (30°C) a 74,6% (25°C). A sobrevivência ninfal de S. cincticeps foi maior a temperaturas moderadas, variando de 3 (15°C) a 56% (20°C). A sobrevivência da forma imatura foi maior a 20°C. As temperaturas bases para ovo, desenvolvimento ninfal e forma imatura foram de 10,7, 11,0 e 12,0°C para indivíduos que originaram machos, e de 10,0, 12,0 e 8,9°C para os que originaram fêmeas. As constantes térmicas para essas fases foram de 84,6, 410,7 e 440,1 graus-dias, e 88,2, 440,1 e 643,1 graus-dias, respectivamente, para indivíduos que deram origem a machos e fêmeas.

Development time, survival and thermal requirements of the pentatomid predator Supputius cincticeps (Stäl) were studied at constant temperatures of 15, 18, 20, 23, 25, 28, 30, and 33°C, relative humidity of 70 ± 10% and a 14L:10D photoperiod. Time required for development from egg to adult ranged from 27.7 (30°C) to 121 days (15°C) for individuals that originated males, and from 30.3 (28°C) to 114.0 days (15°C) to those that originated females. At 33°C the nymphs did not hatch. Egg survival ranged from 23.5 (30°C) to 74.6% (25°C). Nymphal survival was highest at moderate temperatures, ranging from 3% (15°C) to 56% (20°C). Immature had highest survival at 20°C. Lower developmental threshold temperatures for egg, nymphal development and immature phases were 10.7, 11.0, and 12.0°C for individuals that originated males, and 10.0, 12.0 and 8.9°C for those that originated females. Thermal constants for egg, nymphal development and immature phases were 84.6, 410.7 and 440.1 degree-days, and 88.2, 440.1 and 643.1 degree-days, respectively, for individuals that originated males and females.

Estudaram-se os efeitos da temperatura e da defesa da presa na utilização de larvas de Tenebrio molitor L. pelas ninfas do predador Supputius cincticeps (Stäl). Constatou-se que o crescimento de S. cincticeps ocorreu em função da defesa da presa e/ou da temperatura. A taxa de consumo relativo de larvas de T. molitor pelo S. cincticeps dependeu do ínstar do predador e da temperatura ambiente e também do comportamento de defesa da presa. A eficiência de conversão das larvas de T. molitor ingeridas por ninfas de S. cincticeps dependeu do ínstar do predador, da temperatura e da defesa apresentada pela presa. A taxa de crescimento relativo de S. cincticeps dependeu do ínstar do predador e da temperatura do ambiente, e do ínstar do predador e da defesa da presa.

The effects of the temperature and of the prey defense on the utilization of Tenebrio molitor L. larvae by the nymphs of the predator Supputius cincticeps (Stäl) were studied. Growth of S. cincticeps was function of the prey defense and/or temperature. The relative consumption rate of T. molitor larvae by S. cincticeps depended on the instar of the predator and on the temperature, and also on the defense behavior of the prey. The efficiency of conversion of T. molitor larvae ingested by nymphs of S. cincticeps depended upon the predator instar, temperature and defense of the prey. The relative growth rate of S. cincticeps was related to predator instar and temperature, and predator instar and defense of the prey.

A pesquisa objetivou determinar se a temperatura e a defesa da presa afetam o consumo e a utilização de larvas de Tenebrio molitor L. por ninfas de Supputius cincticeps (Stäl). Quantificaram-se em cada um dos ínstares do predador Supputius cincticeps os consumos bruto e diário das larvas de T. molitor com e sem defesa, ganho de peso total e ganho de peso diário pelo predador. Foram determinados os efeitos da defesa da presa e da temperatura ambiente no consumo de alimento pelas ninfas de 2º, 3º, 4º e 5º ínstares de S. cincticeps. A pesquisa foi conduzida na Unidade de Controle Biológico da Embrapa-Centro Nacional de Pesquisa de Algodão, em Campina Grande, PB, a 20, 25, e 30ºC, 60±10% UR e fotofase de 14 horas. Os resultados mostraram que o consumo bruto de larvas de T. molitor pelo S. cincticeps depende do ínstar do predador e da temperatura, do ínstar do predador e da defesa da presa, e da temperatura e defesa da presa; o consumo diário de S. cincticeps depende do ínstar do predador e da temperatura, e do ínstar do predador e da defesa da presa, e o ganho de peso de S. cincticeps depende do seu ínstar, da temperatura e da defesa apresentada pelas larvas de T. molitor. O tamanho das larvas de T. molitor funciona como defesa ao ataque de S. cincticeps.

The objective of the research was to determine if the temperature and pray defense affect the consumption and utilization of Tenebrio molitor L. larvae by nymphs of Supputius cincticeps (Stäl). The gross and daily consumptions of T. molitor larvae with and without defense by the predator Supputius cincticeps, and the gross and daily weight gains of the predator were quantified. Effects of the prey defense and temperature on the food consumption by the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th instar nimphs of S. cincticeps were determined. The research was carried out in the Biological Control Unit of the Embrapa-Centro Nacional de Pesquisa de Algodão, at Campina Grande, PB, Brazil, at 20, 25, and 30°C, 60±10% RH and 14L:10D photoperiod. The results showed that the gross consumption of T. molitor larvae by S. cincticeps depends on the predator instar and on temperature, on the predator instar and on the prey defense, and on temperature and on the prey defense; the daily consumption of S. cincticeps depends on its instar and on temperature, and on its instar and on the prey defense; and S. cincticeps weight gain depends on its instar, on temperature and on the prey defense. The size of T. molitor larvae works as a defense to attack of S. cincticeps.