Biology and functional response of the predator, Dortus primarius (Distant) (Hemiptera: Miridae) preying on Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Abstract Background Dortus primarius (Distant) (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a general predator reported from the oriental region. This bug naturally found in many crop ecosystems where it feeds on thrips, aphids, insect eggs and other soft-bodied insects. Although, rearing protocol of this predatory mirid has been developed, efficiency as biocontrol agent limited needs to be investigated. The Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), polyphagous pest that attacks crops polyhouse India. Therefore, present study, biology functional response different densities F. larvae laboratory was Results able develop egg adulthood tomato infested plant with 23–24 days 15 11.76% mortality 4th 5th instar nymphs, respectively. Both female adults exhibited type III response. At highest prey density (40) both consumed 21.6 28.6 thrips per day, Functional parameters, viz. attack rate, handling time, a/ T h T/ showed potency against . Conclusion Based high fecundity, predation rate dependent behaviour, predicted D. might an efficient potential predator. However, further research needed assess its release ecological studies field situation.