Biology of Marava arachidis (Yersin, 1860) (Dermaptera: Labiidae) feed on Brevicoryne brassicae (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Abstract

Studies with Dermaptera species, such as Marava arachidis, acting on insect pests contribute to the discovery of new agents for use in biological control programs. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the biological aspects of M. arachidis fed with Brevicoryne brassicae. The research was carried out under controlled conditions of temperature (25 ± 1 ºC), relative humidity (70 ± 10%) and photophase (12 h). The insects were obtained from rearings maintained in the laboratory. In the experiment, individuals of M. arachidis were individualized and fed daily with B. brassicae. The design was completely randomized, with five treatments (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th instars) and 20 repetitions, evaluating nymph survival, number and duration of instars, morphometric data and the number of eggs layings individuals, in response feeding with B. brassicae. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were compared using Tukey's test at 5% significance level. Survival of nymphs and adults was not affected after feeding on B. brassicae. The duration of the instars varied from 9 to 15 days, the average weight of the nymphs from 0.0017 to 0.0112 g, the body size from 4,15 to 9,24 mm and the size of the cephalic capsule increased as the nymph stage progressed. The number of nymphs laid was 12.2. The feeding of the earwig M. arachidis with B. brassicae provided its survival, its nymphal viability, the body development and its reproduction.