Essential elements of biology, mating behavior, and reproduction of Zelus pedestris Fabricius, 1803 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) fed on Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, 1830 (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Abstract

Zelus pedestris is a generalist predator with a wide geographic distribution. This study aimed to examine the biological, behavioral, and reproductive parameters of the species, under laboratory conditions. The embryonic period lasted about 10±0.81 days and the eggs had up to 100% of viability. It was confirmed 5 nymphal instars with duration of 39±0.75 days and 87.5% survival rate. The cycle was completed in 49±1.07 days. The mating sequence consisted in: frontal approach between males and females; mounting; male's spinning movement over the female and mating. The mating lasted 52.25±3.98 minutes. Females mated only once. The sexual maturity of females occurred in 7.5±0.73 days. For males, it occurred in 7.16±1.0 days. Virgin females laid eggs 13.58±1.58 days after emergence and mated females laid eggs 5.75±1.39 days after mating. The average number of egg-laying events per female was 4.33±1.76, with each egg mass containing 30.4±9.55 eggs. Adult females had a lifespan of 63.19±8.22 days. The data gathered enable the laboratory breeding, as the food source used is readily accessible and its reproductive rate is satisfactory, making this species viable for use in biological control programs.