Volkov O.G.1, Meshkov Yu.I.2, Yakovleva I.N.2 2013. Development and Predation of Picromerus bidens (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) // Russian Entomol. J. Vol.22. No.1: 43–50 [in English].
1 Federal state establishment Russia Center for Plant Quarantine, Bykovo, Ramenskoe District, Moscow Area, 140150 Russia.
2 State scientific establishment Russia Research Institute of Phytopathology, Bolshie Vyazemy, Odintsovo District, Moscow Area, 143050 Russia. e-mail: innayakovleva@mail.ru
KEY WORDS: Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, predatory shield bug, Picromerus bidens.
ABSTRACT: The Palearctic Picromerus bidens is a predacious spiny shield bug (Pentatomidae: Asopinae) that was studied as suitable as agents of biological control of Colorado beetle since 1997. This pentatomid is univoltine, overwinters in the egg stage, and preys mainly on coleopteran, hymenopteran, and lepidopteran larvae that feed on herbaceous and woody plants. In laboratory and field researches the ability of P. bidens to reduce the number of Colorado potato beetle larvae on potato plants was established. Depending on the predator age the biological efficiency of 80–90% is being achieved on 35th day (colonization in eggs stage), on 21–24th (colonization in stage of larvae I instar) or on 14–18th days (colonization in stage of larvae instar II).