Life history traits and rearing protocol of <i>Microvelia pulchella</i> (Hemiptera: Veliidae): a potential biological control agent and model for behavioural and ecological studies

Microvelia pulchella, a semiaquatic predatory bug widely distributed in the Neotropics, holds great potential as biocontrol agent against disease-vector mosquitoes and pests paddy rice fields. Moreover, insects belonging to genus have served valuable model organisms for ecological behavioural research. Considering this, our study aimed establish an enhanced laboratory rearing protocol M. pulchella based on existing methodologies. The encompasses decision-making flowchart optimize process, standardized method accurately determining egg nymph ages, photographs illustrating all life stages sexes of insect. Additionally, we sought characterize key history traits this species. Our detailed procedure involves utilizing different containers tailored each insect stage specific requirements. We observed average development time 20.6 days from adult at temperature 25°C (room temperature). Interestingly, male adults reared exhibited smaller sizes compared their field-collected counterparts, while females displayed similar across conditions. Female demonstrated production 211.77 eggs, with highest fecundity occurring within first five weeks. Fertility followed pattern, peaking during period. In terms longevity, survival 74 days, whereas males lived approximately 91 days. proves be convenient organism conducting non-invasive experiments, given multitude informative that can measured. is cost-effective, straightforward, requires minimal space.