Biology and comparative predation efficacy of three heteropteran species recorded as predators ofBemisia tabaci in Maharashtra

Two mirids,Deraeocoris sp. andCampylomma nicolasi Reuter and one lygaeid,Geocoris ochropterus Fieber were found preying onB. tabaci (Gennadius) for the first time in Maharashtra State of India during 1987–88. Their biology and predation capacity onB. tabaci were studied in detail under laboratory conditions. The nymphal stage ofDeraeocoris sp. passed through 6 instars, whereas 5 instars in case of the remaining species.G. ochropterus, Deraeocoris sp. andC. nicolasi consumed on an average 482.5, 275.3 and 128.8 nymphs of 57.3, 25.5 and 20.6 days, respectively. On the basis of consumption rate per day,Deraeocoris sp. proved to be a superior predator.