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. Therefore, there is a need to optimize the amount of eggs needed per individual leading to a cost reduction, which in turn will favor biological control adoption. This study investigated the effect of the amount of eggs provided on the developmental and reproductive fitness of . At least a daily supply of 1 and 3 eggs was needed for optimal development of the first two nymphal instars, respectively, although for maximum survival, 1 egg was enough for both instars. For subsequent development until adulthood, a minimum of 8 eggs per day were needed to fully support growth, but only 3 eggs for optimal survival. Similarly, male body size was also maximized by feeding 8 eggs, but for maximum female body size 10 eggs per day were required. Oviposition rate of females increased with the daily number of eggs provided, until a plateau was reached at 8 eggs/day. Benefits and savings for industrial production of are discussed.