Effect of some diets on Macrolophus pygmaeus rambur (Hemiptera: Miridae) fitness under laboratory conditions.

Fitness parameters of omnivore predatory bug Macrolophus pygmaeus were studied on various diets consisting of green peach aphid Myzus persicae + eggplant leaf disc, eggs of Ephestia kuehniella + eggplant leafdisc, pollen + eggplant leaf disc, eggs of E. kuehniella + pollen + eggplant leaf disc. The experiments were began from 1- day nymphs until 32-day adults. The tests were done at 25 degress C, 65+/-5% RH, 16L: 8D h photoperiod. The results showed that adding floral material to the animal prey (eggs of E. kuehniella) containing treatment shortened the nymphal development time. The highest rate of mortality of M. pygmaeus nymphs was observed on pollen + eggplant leaf disc. The sex ratio of emerged adults was similar between treatments. The preoviposition period was the same in a ll treatments. T he fecundity of M . pygmaeuswas affected by feeding diets. Females fed on eggs of E. kuehniella + pollen + eggplant leaf disc have highest rate of fecundity. Based on results, diet of E. kuehniella eggs + pollen + eggplant leaf disc is the most suitable diet for rearing of this predatory insect. Obtained results somehow were expectable due to the high nitrogen extent, vitamins and mineral materials found in the pollen.