Effects of Different Thermo-Hygrometric Conditions on Ecological Interactions Between the Warehouse Pirate Bug, Xylocoris flavipes (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), and Its Prey, Liposcelis decolor (Psocodea: Liposcelididae)

Physical conditions in grain storage environments influence trophic interactions between predators and their prey and can affect the effectiveness of biocontrol agents. The study aimed to assess the potential of <i>Xylocoris flavipes</i> (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), to manage <i>Liposcelis decolor</i> (Pearman) (Psocodea: Liposcelididae). <i>Liposcelis decolor</i> population suppression and <i>X</i>. <i>flavipes</i> progeny production were assessed at five predator-prey (P-P) ratios (0:240, 1:240, 2:240, 3:240, and 5:240), four temperatures (20, 24, 28, and 32 °C), and three relative humidities (RH) (63, 75, and 85%) over 40 days at 0:24 (L:D) photoperiod in the laboratory. Compared with the Control P-P ratio of 0:240 (no predators), prey suppression >97% was achieved across all predator release ratios. At 32 °C and 75% RH, which are the optimal conditions for <i>L. decolor</i>, 3985.13 ± 255.45 prey survived in the Control P-P ratio compared with 19.85 ± 2.47-115.73 ± 8.99 found for the four P-P ratios with the predator, representing prey reduction of 97.10-99.50%. Temperature influenced <i>X. flavipes</i> progeny production, which was greatest at 28 °C and a P-P ratio of 1:240. Suppression caused by <i>X</i>. <i>flavipes</i> demonstrates its potential as a biological control agent to manage psocid infestations in stored commodities.