The damsel bug,Nabis pseudoferusRemane (Hemiptera: Namidae), is a generalist predator of small arthropods, including key insect pests of vegetable crops. In this study, we characterized the preda-tion and development of variousN. pseudoferuslife stages when preying on the eggs and first- and fourth-instar nymphs of the invasive South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta(Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). These findings were compared to those of the bug’s common prey, cot-ton aphid,Aphis gossypiiGlover (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Of the life stages tested, females showed the highest predation rate on all tested prey, due to their high longevity, large body, and great energy requirements for reproduction. The predator’s oviposition rate was clearly influenced by prey type, and was highest when feeding on fourth instars ofT. absoluta. Considering the zoophytophagy of most of the life stages of other mirid species of tomato, and the lower propensity ofN. pseudoferusto feed on plants, these results show that this species can be considered as a key indigenous natural enemy for sustainable pest control packages againstT. absolutain newly invaded areas.
