Predatory functional response and fitness parameters of Poppius when fed and as determined by age-stage, two-sex life table.

Background: The polyphagous predatory bug is an active predator used to control thrips and aphids. The whitefly species and are voracious pests of different economic agricultural crops and vegetables.

Method: In this study, the Holling disc equation and the age-stage, two-sex life table technique were used to investigate the functional response and biological traits of third instar nymphs and adult female when presented third instar nymphs of both whitefly species as prey.

Results: The results showed a type II functional response for each life stage of   when fed each whitefly species. The calculated prey handling time for different life stages were shorter when fed than when fed nymphs. In contrast, the nymphal development of was significantly shorter when fed than nymphs. Additionally, the total pre-oviposition period of adult females was statistically shorter when fed nymphs than nymphs. Furthermore, the survival rates and total fecundity of were higher when fed than . There were no significant differences in any population parameters of when fed either whitefly species. These results show that could survive and maintain its populations on both species of whitefly and could therefore serve as a biological control agent in integrated pest management (IPM).