Predation function of Orius sauteri on nymphs of Bemisia tabaci

To clarify the predation potential of Orius sauteri on the nymphs of Bemisia tabaci, the preference of the 5th instar nymphs and female adults of O. sauteri for the 2nd-4th instar nymphs of B. tabaci. the predation ability of O. sauteri on the 4th instar nymphs of B. tabaci. and the interference effect of different O. sauteri density on the predation of B. tabaci. were investigated under indoor conditions. The results indicated that O. sauteri showed a negative preference for both the 2nd and 3rd instar nymphs of B. tabaci. while exhibiting a positive preference for the 4th instar nymphs of B. tabaci. The daily predation rates of the 5th instar nymphs and female adults of O. sauteri on the 4th instar nymphs of B. tabaci. were 14.00 and 16.00, respectively, with instantaneous attack rates of 0.878 and 0.888, and handling time per B. tabaci. of 0.047 and 0.034 days, respectively. The predatory ability of female O. sauteri adults was superior to that of the 5th instar nymphs. The daily predation rate of O. sauteri positively correlated with the density of B. tabaci. but negatively correlated with its searching efficiency. The predation rate of O. sauteri decreased with the increase in its own density.