Life History Traits and Intrinsic Rate of Increase of Macrolophus caliginosus (Hemiptera: Miridae) on Bemisia tabaci

Abstract

The predatory mirid Macrolophus caliginosus is an important biological control agent widely associated with suppression of whitefly populations in protected cultivation systems. Laboratory investigations were conducted to evaluate the life history traits, developmental biology, survival, fecundity, and intrinsic rate of increase of M. caliginosus when reared on Bemisia tabaci. Experiments were performed under controlled environmental conditions to determine developmental duration from egg to adult, nymphal survival, adult longevity, reproductive performance, and demographic parameters of the predator. The predator successfully completed its life cycle on B. tabaci, demonstrating high adaptability and feeding efficiency on different developmental stages of the host. Nymphal development progressed through multiple instars with relatively high survival rates under favorable temperature and humidity conditions. Female adults exhibited longer longevity and higher feeding activity than males and initiated oviposition shortly after emergence. Peak reproductive performance occurred during the early adult period, followed by gradual decline in fecundity with increasing age. Life table analysis revealed a positive intrinsic rate of increase, high net reproductive rate, and short generation time, indicating the predator’s strong capacity for rapid population establishment and growth. Predation by M. caliginosus significantly reduced whitefly survival through direct feeding on eggs and nymphs, contributing to suppression of host population buildup. Environmental stability and continuous prey availability enhanced predator development and reproductive success. The biological characteristics observed in the present study suggest that M. caliginosus possesses favorable attributes for incorporation into integrated pest management programs targeting B. tabaci infestations in greenhouse crops.