Standardized rearing in earwigs for biological control: insights from the predator Doru luteipes

Abstract

Efficient laboratory rearing and behavioral optimization of natural enemies are essential for advancing biological control programs. This study evaluated how rearing standardization influence the reproductive output of the earwig Doru luteipes (Scudder) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae), an important generalist predator in agroecosystems. We investigated the effects of clutch density per container, sex ratio, and oviposition shelter availability on reproductive output. Increasing clutch density did not affect embryonic duration, hatching rate, or partial egg cannibalism. However, single-clutch containers showed lower total cannibalism and higher early nymph survival. While maintaining the same number of oviposition shelters, increasing the number of females per rearing container resulted in higher offspring production, despite temporal variability in oviposition patterns. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that rearing design plays a critical role in improving the performance and scalability of D. luteipes production. The results provide practical guidelines for laboratory and mass-rearing protocols and highlight the importance of prey identity in shaping predator reproductive success, contributing to the broader application of earwigs in sustainable pest management strategies.