Reduviid bug: A potential predator of lepidopteran insect pests

Abstract

This review summaries the importance and potential of the assassin or reduviid bug of reduviidae family in agriculture ecosystem, against many destructive lepidopteran pests. Many species of reduviid bug like Rhynocoris fuscipes, R. kumarii, R. longifrons, R. marginatus, etc., are predators found in many habitats and in wide distribution. The biology suggests higher fecundity with host searching and survival activities. The established easy mass multiplication techniques and release methods has increased its potential as biological control agent. The predatory potential of these bugs against pests like Sodoptera litura, Helicoverpa armigera, Coryra cephalonica, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, Leucinodes orbonalis, Papilio demoleus, etc., has been found effective.