Predatory characterization of Labidura riparia (Dermaptera: Labiduridae) as a biological control agent of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

This study investigated the functional response of the striped earwig Labidura riparia (Pallas) using the second instar larvae of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) as prey under laboratory conditions. After being starved for 72 h, each L. riparia adult of both sexes was introduced to various prey density treatments (1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50 larvae) for 2 h. The functional response of L. riparia was type II. During the experimental period, females killed more prey than males at densities above 30 larvae. It was estimated an adult of L. riparia could handle 490 - 900 second instar larvae of FAW per day. The results suggest that L. riparia should be released at early developmental stages of FAW.