A new colloidal artificial diet for Lygus lineolaris and Lygus hesperus (Heteroptera: Miridae)

Abstract A new semi-liquid diet formulation with colloidal properties was developed to mass rear Lygus lineolaris and L. hesperus. The new formulation eliminates the need for high temperature mixing and improves the extra oral digestion by its colloidal properties. Egg packs of approximately (100?) eggs were placed in boxes for eclosion. A total of (#) boxes were provided with the new formulation and an equal number were provided with the conventional artificial diet. Nimphal survival, development rate, and adult fecundity were measured per each box and compared between diet treatments. Development time was significantly shorter in the new diet formulation. Fecundity was significantly higher in the new diet formulation. Development time decreased every generation in the new formulation in both species suggesting that insects became increasingly adapted to the new formulations. This phenomenon can not be explained as selection because immature survival was higher than 95% in both species reared in the new formulation.