Considering the importance of predatory Pentatomidae as biological control agents it is necessary to optimize mass production facilities of these species. The objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of body weight on survival and reproductive parameters of females of Podisus rostralis (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Treatments were represented by females of this predator with the following mean weight: 39.5 mg, 45.5 mg, 51.5 mg, 57.5 mg and 63.5 mg. Heavier females of P. rostralis showed shorter preoviposition period while the number of eggs and of nymphs per day presented a positive linear relationship with female weight of this predator. Longevity of females of P. rostralis was similar between treatments with no tendency of variations as a function of body weight of these females. Since the objective of mass rearing facilities of predatory bugs is to produce the maximum possible number of nymphs per day it is recommended to use females of P. rostralis with weight above 60.0 mg.
biological control; mass rearing; reproductive performance; survival
