The effects of the temperature and of the prey defense on the utilization of Tenebrio molitor L. larvae by the nymphs of the predator Supputius cincticeps (Stäl) were studied. Growth of S. cincticeps was function of the prey defense and/or temperature. The relative consumption rate of T. molitor larvae by S. cincticeps depended on the instar of the predator and on the temperature, and also on the defense behavior of the prey. The efficiency of conversion of T. molitor larvae ingested by nymphs of S. cincticeps depended upon the predator instar, temperature and defense of the prey. The relative growth rate of S. cincticeps was related to predator instar and temperature, and predator instar and defense of the prey.
Insecta; asopinae; biological control; nutrition; behavior
