Effects of Low-Temperature Storage on the Vitality and Predation Capacity of Rhynocoris fuscipes Fabricius (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Abstract Rhynocoris fuscipes Fabricius (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is an important predatory insect that targets Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in tobacco fields. Here, laboratory tests were conducted to identify the optimal temperature, duration, and developmental stage for the low-temperature storage of R. fuscipes. This study examined the effects of storage temperatures (7°C, 9°C, 11°C, 13°C, and 15°C) and durations (5d、10d、15d、20d、25d、30d) on the hatching rate, lifespans and survival rates of fifth-instar nymphs and adult females, egg production, adult female median lethal time, and the predation capacity of adult female R. fuscipes on S. litura. The results showed that under various low-temperature conditions, storing adult R. fuscipes was more effective than storing nymphs or eggs, and the optimal storage temperature ranged from 13°C–15°C. At 15°C, the average lifespan of adult female R. fuscipes was 25.47 days, with a median lethal time of 36.53 days. Eggs stored at 15°C for 16 days showed a hatching rate of eclosion rate after 12 days of storage exceeded 68%. Storage temperature and duration significantly influenced the predation capacity of adult female R. fuscipes on S. litura. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the large-scale storage and transportation of R. fuscipes.