Rich diversity of RNA viruses in the biological control agent, Orius laevigatus.

Orius laevigatus (Hemiptera, Anthocoridae) is a generalist predator extensively used for the biocontrol of diverse agricultural pests. Previous studies on O. laevigatus have focused on the improvement of insect genetic traits, but little is known about its association with microbes, especially viruses that may influence its production and efficacy.

Inheritance and Biological Characterization of an Orange-nymph Mutant in (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae).

A mutation showing a distinct orange color in the nymph stages was found in (Fieber) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), a key biological control agent in protected crops, used to control small pests, especially thrips. A laboratory strain carrying this body color mutation was established. Genetic analysis determined that the mutation () was controlled by a single autosomal recessive allele.

Effect of Parental Age and Mating Status on Reproductive Performance of (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae).

The reproductive potential of biological control agents (BCAs) is crucial for efficient mass-rearing and field performance, and it all begins with mating. Fecundity can be strongly influenced by intrinsic conditions, such as female age and, often neglected, male age and mating status. However, little is known about the impact of parental status at mating on female reproductive outcomes in BCAs.

Effect of the Amount of Eggs for Rearing on Development, Survival, and Reproduction of .

is a key tool for the success of augmentative biological control programs in protected crops. This biological control agent is mass-reared feeding on eggs of . However, this factitious prey is expensive, accounting for a significant percentage of the rearing costs.

Humans Share More Preferences for Floral Phenotypes With Pollinators Than With Pests.

Studies on the selection of floral traits usually consider pollinators and sometimes herbivores. However, humans also exert selection on floral traits of ornamental plants. We compared the preferences of bumblebees (), thrips (), and humans for flowers of snapdragon.