Predatory potential of assassin bug, Rhynocoris marginatus on rice meal moth, Corcyra cephalonica and tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura

Rhynocoris marginatus of fifth instar nymphs highly preferred the IV instar larvae of the Corcyra cephalonica 60.19 percentage and the fifth nymphal instars of Rhynocoris marginatus preferred IV instar larvae of Spodoptera litura 60.00 percentage. Among different stages of the predator, the adult female showed a significantly higher feeding potential of Corcyra cephalonica 143.00±1.00 larvae as compare to male, the fifth nymphal instar of assassin bug 34.33±0.33 larvae of Corcyra cephalonica showed the greatest feeding potential, in case of daily consumption, the fifth nymphal instar had the significant highest consumption 2.02±0.02 larvae of Corcyra cephalonica, the adult female showed a significantly higher feeding potential of Spodoptera litura larvae 130.33±0.67, the fifth nymphal instar of Rhynocoris marginatus showed the greatest feeding potential 34.66±0.33 larvae of Spodoptera litura, in case of daily consumption, the fifth nymphal instar had the significant highest consumption rate 1.98±0.04 larvae.