Life tables and laboratory rearing of Nezara viridula (L.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) on two artificial diets

Two artificial diets, including the modified NI diet and a new artificial diet used for Lygus spp. were evaluated as an alternative food source for rearing the southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.). Both the modified NI diet and a new artificial diet had survival to adult stages, with 97.33% and 74.57%, respectively. The modified NI diet showed 100% survival from first through fourth instar nymphal stages. Adult Development was significantly shorter on the modified NI diet (30.37 ± SE 0.30 days) versus the new diet (32.77 ± SE 0.16 days). Longer male and female longevity, higher fecundity, and larger egg mass sizes were found on the modified NI diet. However, the fertility and hatchability was higher on the new diet. A life table was constructed and a novel rearing method for N. viridula developed.