Determination of fitness traits of Poppius (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) on (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) using two-sex life table analysis.

Background: Pink bollworm () is a destructive insect pest of cotton crops in China and globally, which is actively predated on by . Studies on the fitness or survival of fed on at different temperatures have not been reported. The fitness of may be well explained using two-sex life table parameters. Thus, the present study provides important insights for the effective biocontrol of .

Methodology: Considering the importance of fitness parameters and biocontrol, the present study explores the feeding potential and age-stage, two-sex life table traits of on eggs at different temperatures (24, 28 and 32 °C) in the laboratory.

Results: The intrinsic rate of increase () was higher at 28 °C (0.14 d) than at 24 °C (0.0052 d) and 32 °C (0.12 d). Similarly, the net reproductive rate ( ) was higher at 28 °C (17.63 offspring) than at 24 °C (1.13 offspring) and 32 °C (10.23 offspring). This concluded that the maximum feeding potential and growth capacity of could be attained at 28 °C when fed on eggs. adults preferred to feed on eggs compared with first instar larvae. Based on these results, the present study suggests that represents a promising biological control agent against eggs in cotton fields.