The effect of supplementary feeding of Supputius cincticeps (Stal) on Eucalyptus urophylla leaves was evaluated in the laboratory. S. cincticeps was fed with Tenebrio molitor (L.) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae or T. molitor larvae plus E. urophylla. The inclusion of this plant for S. cincticeps feeding increased its net reproductive rate (Ro) from 7.15 to 24.05, its infinitesimal ratio (rm) from 0.034 to 0.052, and the finite population increase (1) from 1.035 to 1.053, compared to feeding only with the prey. S. cincticeps fed both plant and prey showed higher survival rate, longevity, and life span for half of the population (ex50), which was 50.8 and 64.9 for bugs fed the prey, and prey and plant, respectively. The inclusion of the plant also increased the reproduction rate of S. cincticeps, thus being recommended for mass rearing of this predator.
Insecta; Hemiptera; Asopinae; biological control; phytophagy; life table
