Determination of the effectiveness on Orius laevigatus (Fieber) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) adult on Corythucha arcuata (Hemiptera: Tingidae) under controlled conditions

Oak is distributed in almost every region of our country. Like every plant, oak also has important diseases and pests. In recent years, Corythucha arcuata (Say) (Oak lace bug) has been reported as a new record in many countries. This species, also known as Invasive, has begun to cause significant damage to oak trees in the regions where it has newly entered. Our country is affected by this damage. It is very difficult to control pests in areas with extensive vegetation such as forests. The successful control method in such areas is biological control. With this study, the first data on the effectiveness of Orius laevigatus (Fieber) on C. arcuata were obtained. These data will provide resources for biological control studies of the pest. The study was carried out under controlled conditions in a laboratory environment. Experiments were conducted with and without choice. In the no-choice experiments, female O. laevigatus fed the most on daily average with the first nymph stage of the Oak lace bug (13.14±1.02) and the least with the adult stage (0.74±0.15). Male O. laevigatus consumed the most first nymph (9.93±0.77) and the least adult (0.57±0.16) stages. In the choices experiments, the female hunter preferred the first nymph stage of her prey the most (7.30±0.71) and the adult stage the least (0.13±0.01) on daily average. Similar preferences were found in male hunters as in females. In both choice and no-choice experiments, female predators had longer lifespans than male predators. As a result of the study, it is thought that the adult stage of O. laevigatus is hopeful in control the Oak lace bug. However, studies on its effectiveness under natural conditions should be conducted to demonstrate its success.