Rearing Orius laevigatus on cysts of the brine shrimp Artemia franciscana

Development and reproduction of Orius laevigatus (Fieber) on cysts of the brine shrimp Artemia franciscana Kellogg were compared with those on eggs of the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller. Cysts had to be hydrated for successful development of the predator. Developmental period on decapsulated cysts stored in dry form was shorter than that on nondecapsulated cysts or E. kuehniella eggs, but adult weights were similar. Predators provided with decapsulated cysts stored in saturated brine developed at a rate similar to that of those fed lepidopteran eggs, but body weight of attained females was lower. Survival of O. laevigatus nymphs fed nondecapsulated A. franciscana cysts averaged 56% compared to 79-98% for those fed decapsulated cysts or lepidopteran eggs. Total fecundity and oviposition rate on decapsulated cysts stored in dry form were similar to those on hour moth eggs, averaging 125 eggs per female and 3.5 eggs per female per day, respectively. Females provided with decapsulated cysts kept in brine solution produced significantly fewer eggs, with an average of 57 eggs per female. Predators fed on deep-frozen decapsulated and hydrated cysts had developmental rates lower than but fecundities similar to those offered E. kuehniella eggs. The nutritional value and economic viability of brine shrimp cysts as a factitious food for the mass production of Orius bugs are discussed. (C) 2001 Academic Press.