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

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 .