Antilochus coqueberti (Fabricius)

The bug Antilochus coqueberti is a very important predator of Dysdercus cingulatus at Anand, Gujarat, India.

Antilochus coqueberti are collected from the cotton fields and eggs are obtained in vented plastic jar (15 x 10 cm) the bottom of which is lined with a layer of moist sand. Plastic sticks are placed touching the screwed upper lid which facilitates the movement of bugs and the eggs are deposited on the moist sand. The eggs laid in sand @ 30-132 per dune are collected daily and placed in another container. The eggs hatch in nine days. The first instar nymphs feed on the debris available, but the second instar nymphs develop predatory habit and they are provided with young nymphs (2-3 day old of D. cingulatus). Third and fourth instar nymphs are provided about 25 (a week old) nymphs of D. cingulatus. The fifth instar nymphs of the predator could consume 30-40 last instar nymphs or even the adults of D. cingulatus. The nymphal period is completed in about 38 days. When nymphs attain adulthood they are allowed to mate and 3 mated pairs are confined in a 15 x 10 cm jar for egg laying as explained above and the cycle repeated. The male and female bugs live for 65 and 50 days respectively. The female is capable of producing 344 eggs in its life time. The eggs are collected and placed for hatching and for further multiplication. The production could be increased depending upon need.