Effects of Low-Temperature Storage on the Vitality and Predation Capacity of Rhynocoris fuscipes Fabricius (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Effects of Low-Temperature Storage on the Vitality and Predation Capacity of Rhynocoris fuscipes Fabricius (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Effects of Low-Temperature Storage on the Vitality and Predation Capacity of Rhynocoris fuscipes Fabricius (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Zheng Sun, Xuebo Wang, Zhaohui Zong, Hang Wang, Dexin Chen, Haibin Deng This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6936810/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 4 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Rhynocoris fuscipes Fabricius (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is an important predatory insect that targets Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in tobacco fields. Here, laboratory tests were conducted to identify the optimal temperature, duration, and developmental stage for the low-temperature storage of R . fuscipes . This study examined the effects of storage temperatures (7°C, 9°C, 11°C, 13°C, and 15°C) and durations (5d、10d、15d、20d、25d、30d) on the hatching rate, lifespans and survival rates of fifth-instar nymphs and adult females, egg production, adult female median lethal time, and the predation capacity of adult female R . fuscipes on S. litura . The results showed that under various low-temperature conditions, storing adult R. fuscipes was more effective than storing nymphs or eggs, and the optimal storage temperature ranged from 13°C–15°C. At 15°C, the average lifespan of adult female R. fuscipes was 25.47 days, with a median lethal time of 36.53 days. Eggs stored at 15°C for 16 days showed a hatching rate of eclosion rate after 12 days of storage exceeded 68%. Storage temperature and duration significantly influenced the predation capacity of adult female R. fuscipes on S. litura . These findings provide a theoretical basis for the large-scale storage and transportation of R. fuscipes . low-temperature storage Rhynocoris fuscipes vitality predatory insect predation capacity Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 1. INTRODUCTION The use of predatory insects for eco-friendly pest control is a crucial strategy in integrated pest management. Because the occurrence of predatory insects follows and lags behind the occurrence of pests in the field, it is essential to release a sufficient number of predatory insects at the initial pest outbreak. This necessitates the prior storage of an adequate quantity of predatory insects to enable synchronized release during the initial emergence of pests for effective pest control. Low-temperature storage is a crucial step in the large-scale production and release of predatory insects. Developing effective low-temperature storage methods has long been a research focus in the field of biological control (Colinet and Boivin, 2011 ). Research on low-temperature storage methods primarily focuses on storage temperature and duration. Studies have shown that as the temperature decreases and the duration of stress increases, the survival and development of predatory insects are affected to varying degrees, potentially leading to significantly increased mortality (Hance et al., 2007). For example, when Aphidius gifuensis Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was stored at 5°C for 5 days, the eclosion rate was 83.41%; however, when the storage duration exceeded 40 days, the eclosion rate dropped to below 50% (Liu et al., 2020). Under prolonged low-temperature stress, Coccophagus japonicus Compere (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) exhibited decreases in the survival rates of larvae and pupae and a reduction in the adult female lifespan (Yang et al., 2023). Serangium japonicum Chapin (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) adults stored at 16°C for 10 days had survival rates and F 1 generation survival rates comparable to those stored at 26°C, but all adults died after 10 days of storage at 7°C (Cao et al., 2023). Different insect species exhibit varying levels of tolerance to low temperatures. For example, Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) demonstrated a survival rate of 90% after storage at 6°C for 60 days, and the survival rate remained above 60% even after 105 days of storage (Pan et al., 2012 ). The survival rate of Ophraella communa LeSage (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) pupae was 77.1% after storage at 6°C for 20 days; however, after storage for 30 days, the survival rate dropped sharply to 2.5% (Zhou et al., 2008). Moreover, the survival rate of male adult Eocanthecona furcellata Wolff (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) was below 20% after 20 days of storage at 7°C, reflecting a relatively low tolerance to low temperatures (Tang et al., 2022). The survival rate of adult Apanteles galleriae Wikinson (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) reported as less than 15% after 7 days of storage at 6°C, and all adults died following 15 days of storage at 6°C (Uçkan and Gülel, 2001 ). In the production of predatory insects, there is often a trade-off between extending the product shelf life using low-temperature storage and the potential risk of high mortality due to storage (Lenin et al., 2016). Achieving a balance between these two factors is of great significance for optimizing predatory insect storage technology, providing a stable source of insects for field release, and realizing effective biological control. Rhynocoris. fuscipes is an important predatory insect that belongs to the Reduviidae family in the order Hemiptera (Huang, 2007 ; Zhao and Yuan, 2011). R. fuscipes can prey on a variety of pests in tobacco fields, including Spodoptera litura , Helicoverpa assulta Guenée (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae), and Agrotis ypsilon von Rottemburg (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), as well as other pests, including Dysdercus cingulatus Fabricius (Hemiptera: Acanaloniidae), Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae),, Earias insulana Boisduval (Lepidoptera: Nolidae), Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), Chilo suppressalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), and Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) (Ambrose & Claver,2010; Deng et al., 2012; Deng et al., 2015 ; You et al., 2023). This predatory insect has broad application prospects in the control of agricultural and forestry pests. As R. fuscipes is a large predatory insect with a long developmental cycle (Zeng et al., 2023 ), research on low-temperature storage techniques for this species is particularly important for its mass rearing and release. However, studies on the low-temperature storage conditions suitable for R. fuscipes are limited. Guo et al. (2021) investigated the effects of low temperatures (12°C and 18°C) on the growth and development of R. fuscipes ; however, the limited range of temperatures did not yield sufficient data for the accurate regulation of the development and storage of R. fuscipes during mass production. Therefore, the present study examined the effects of different storage temperatures (7°C, 9°C, 11°C, 13°C, and 15°C) and storage duration (5d、10d、15d、20d、25d、30d) on the hatching rate, the lifespans and survival rates of fifth-instar nymphs and female adults, egg production, the median lethal time (LT 50 ) of female adults, and predation on S. litura . These results were used to determine the optimal developmental stage and duration for the low-temperature storage of R. fuscipes . This study aimed to provide a theoretical basis for selecting the appropriate low-temperature storage conditions and developmental stage to extend the shelf life of R. fuscipes . 2 Materials and Methods 2.1 Insect Source Adult individuals of R . fuscipes were collected from a tobacco field in Dongxiangpu Village, Gushi Town, Nanxiong City, Guangdong Province, China. The insects were reared on mealworm ( Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)) larvae until they produced eggs and the eggs had hatched. The first- to second-instar nymphs of R . fuscipes were fed on M . persicae , while the third- to fifth-instar nymphs and adults were provided with mealworm larvae. Following multiple generations of laboratory rearing, these insects were utilized for the subsequent experiments. T. molitor larvae and M. persicae were selected as prey sources due to their ease of large-scale rearing; however, first- to second-instar R. fuscipes were unable to consume T. molitor larvae because of their small size, so M. persicae were supplied to these early-instar R. fuscipes . The rearing temperature was set at 28℃, as R. fuscipes primarily inhabits subtropical regions of Asia and exhibits optimal growth and development at higher temperatures. 2.2 Experimental Methods 2.2.1 Determination of R. fuscipes Egg Production and Hatching Rate After Low-Temperature Storage Egg Production : At 72 hours following eclosion, adult female and male R. fuscipes were paired at a 1:1 ratio and placed in breeding boxes (16.2 cm long × 11.5 cm wide × 6.0 cm high). The boxes were stored in light incubators at 7°C, 9°C, 11°C, 13°C, and 15°C for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 days. After low-temperature storage, the insects were transferred to a light incubator and reared at 28°C on third-instar mealworm larvae. The number of eggs laid by each female adult was recorded until their death. Hatching Rate Tobacco leaves with R. fuscipes eggs were cut and placed in plastic boxes (11.6 cm long × 8.2 cm wide × 4.3 cm high). The boxes were stored at 7°C, 9°C, 11°C, 13°C, and 15°C. Every 2 days, 50 eggs were removed from each treatment and placed in a breeding box. The eggs were incubated in a light incubator at 28°C. Hatched eggs were observed and the hatching rate was recorded daily for 12 days. 2.2.2 Measurement of Survival Rate, Lifespan, and Eclosion Rate of R. fuscipes Under Different Low-Temperature Storage Conditions Survival Rate and Lifespan of Fifth-Instar Nymphs Under the temperature conditions of 7°C, 9°C, 11°C, 13°C, and 15°C, fifth-instar nymphs of R. fuscipes were placed in individual plastic breeding boxes with holes in the lid (30 mm bottom diameter, 39 mm top diameter, and 32 mm high). Each temperature treatment had three replicates, with 10 nymphs per replicate. The mortality of fifth-instar nymphs was recorded every 2 days over a period of 30 days. Eclosion Rate of Fifth-Instar Nymphs Using the method described above, fifth-instar nymphs were stored at low temperatures for 3, 6, 9, and 12 days. The nymphs were then transferred to an incubator and reared at 28°C on third-instar mealworm larvae. The number of nymphs that successfully eclosed into adults was recorded. 2.2.3 Measurement of the LT 50 of Adult Female R. fuscipes After Low-Temperature Storage Under the five temperature conditions of 7°C, 9°C, 11°C, 13°C, and 15°C, the mortality of adult female R. fuscipes was recorded every 2 days for 30 consecutive days. 2.2.4 Measurement of the Predation Capacity of Adult Female R. fuscipes on S. litura Larvae After Low-Temperature Storage Adult female R. fuscipes were stored at low temperatures of 7°C, 9°C, 11°C, 13°C, and 15°C for 4, 8, 12, and 16 days. Subsequently, 15 third-instar larvae of S. litura were placed in each box. The number of larvae consumed by adult female R. fuscipes within 24 hours was observed and recorded. 2.3 Statistical Analysis Data were processed and analyzed using Excel 2010 and SPSS 19.0. The average values of biological characteristics such as the egg production, hatching rate, and survival rate of R. fuscipes were employed for statistical analysis. One-way or two-way analyses of variance followed by Duncan’s multiple range test were utilized for comparisons. Probit regression analysis was conducted to calculate the LT 50 of adult R. fuscipes under different low-temperature storage conditions. 3 Results and Analysis 3.1 Effects of Low-Temperature Storage on R. fuscipes Egg Production and Hatching Rate The results showed that different low-temperature storage treatments significantly affected the egg production per female (Table 1 ). Within the temperature range of 7°C to 15°C, the egg production per female increased with rising temperatures. Females stored at 15°C exhibited the highest egg production, which was significantly higher than that of females stored at 7°C. The duration of low-temperature storage also affected the egg production per female. As shown in Table 1 , with prolonged storage duration, egg production decreased across all storage temperatures. The egg production per female was lowest after 30 days of storage at all temperatures. Specifically, after 25 days of storage at 7°C, female R. fuscipes ceased laying eggs. After 25 days of storage at 15°C, the egg production per female was 35.60 ± 2.90, significantly lower than the value of 84.90 ± 4.05 recorded after 5 days of storage at the same temperature. Table 1 Effects of different cold storage temperatures and durations on the number of eggs laid by adult female Rhynocoris fuscipes Storage temperature (℃) Number of eggs laid per female F 5 d 10 d 15 d 20 d 25 d 30 d 7℃ 48.10 ± 2.11aD 29.90 ± 1.84bD 15.90 ± 2.87cD 4.80 ± 0.55dC 0 0 F (3,12) = 409.164 9℃ 64.00 ± 1.60aC 52.70 ± 2.06bC 39.40 ± 0.86cC 30.80 ± 1.90dB 13.10 ± 1.42eD 7.90 ± 0.89fD F (3,12) = 620.381 11℃ 71.10 ± 2.91aB 66.20 ± 1.88bB 54.00 ± 1.61cB 33.90 ± 2.09dB 20.7 ± 1.49eC 12.50 ± 1.18fC F (3,12) = 471.703 13℃ 84.00 ± 1.30aA 74.30 ± 3.49bA 64.30 ± 1.25cA 43.20 ± 2.45dA 30.80 ± 1.30eB 20.70 ± 2.13fB F (3,12) = 412.865 15℃ 84.90 ± 4.05aA 75.60 ± 3.80bA 66.10 ± 1.81cA 43.80 ± 2.71dA 35.60 ± 2.90eA 25.20 ± 3.80fA F (3,12) = 158.677 F F (4,10) = 104.484 F (4,10) = 143.155 F (4,10) = 395.896 F (4,10) = 174.823 F (4,10) = 210.854 F (4,10) = 71.497 Note: Data are the means ± SE, where different capital letters indicate significant differences between different temperature treatments at the same time ( P < 0.05), and different lowercase letters indicate significant differences between different storage durations at the same temperature ( P < 0.05), and the same below. The hatching rates also varied significantly under different low-temperature storage conditions (Fig. 1 ). The hatching rate declined with decreasing storage temperature and increasing storage duration. After 16 days of storage, the hatching rate of egg masses stored at 15°C was 70.67%, compared to 28.67% for egg masses stored at 7°C. After 20 days of storage, the hatching rate under storage at 15°C decreased to 54.00%, while the hatching rate for storage at 7°C was only 8.67%. After 30 days of storage, the hatching rate under storage at 15°C declined to 23.33%, while the hatching rate for egg masses stored at 7°C was 0. These results suggest that 15°C is the optimal storage temperature for R. fuscipes eggs, and the storage duration should not exceed 16 days to maintain a high hatching rate. 3.2 Effects of Low-Temperature Storage on the Survival Rate, Lifespan, and Eclosion Rate of Fifth-Instar R. fuscipes Nymphs The survival rate of fifth-instar R. fuscipes nymphs decreased with increasing storage duration and decreasing temperature (Fig. 2 ). The maximum lifespan was 22 days at 7°C and 26 days at 9°C, while the maximum lifespan exceeded 30 days at 11°C, 13°C, and 15°C. In terms of the average lifespan, nymphs stored at 13°C and 15°C lived significantly longer than those stored at other temperatures, reaching average lifespans of 22.20 ± 1.04 and 23.87 ± 0.50 days, respectively. The average lifespans of nymphs stored at 7°C and 9°C were significantly shorter at only 13.67 ± 0.70 and 15.87 ± 0.99 days, respectively (Fig. 3 ). Storage temperature and duration also significantly influenced the eclosion rate of fifth-instar nymphs (Table 2 ). Overall, the eclosion rate of R. fuscipes nymphs decreased with increasing storage duration and decreasing temperature. The highest eclosion rate of 98.00 ± 4.47% was recorded after 3 days of storage at 15°C, while the lowest eclosion rate of 42.00 ± 4.47% was recorded after 12 days of storage at 7°C. Table 2 Eclosion rate of Rhynocoris fuscipes fifth-instar nymphs under different temperature conditions Storage temperature (℃) Eclosion rate (%) F 3 d 6 d 9 d 12 d 7 76.00 ± 5.48aC 62.00 ± 8.37bD 48.00 ± 8.37cC 42.00 ± 4.47cD F(4,15) = 24.281 9 84.00 ± 8.94aB 72.00 ± 8.37aC 64.00 ± 5.48bB 54.00 ± 5.48cC F(4,15) = 15.333 11 94.00 ± 5.48aA 86.00 ± 5.48abB 78.00 ± 8.37bA 64.00 ± 5.48cB F(4,15) = 20.458 13 96.00 ± 5.48aA 92.00 ± 8.37aAB 80.00 ± 7.07bA 68.00 ± 8.37cB F(4,15) = 14.545 15 98.00 ± 4.47aA 96.00 ± 5.48aA 84.00 ± 5.48bA 78.00 ± 8.37bA F(4,15) = 12.267 F F(4,20) = 11.421 F(4,20) = 18.778 F(4,20) = 21.920 F(4,20) = 21.500 Note: Data are the means ± S.E., where different capital letters indicate significant differences between different temperature treatments at the same time ( P < 0.05), and different lowercase letters indicate significant differences between different storage durations at the same temperature ( P < 0.05). 3.3 Effects of Low-Temperature Storage on Adult Female R. fuscipes The survival rate of adult female R. fuscipes decreased with prolonged storage duration across all five storage temperatures (Fig. 4 ). The survival rate declined the most rapidly at 7°C, with the maximum lifespan being only 26 days. At 9°C, 11°C, 13°C, and 15°C, the maximum lifespan exceeded 30 days. In terms of the average lifespan, female adults stored at 7°C had the shortest average lifespan of 14.93 ± 1.02 days, while those stored at 15°C had the longest average lifespan of 25.47 ± 0.61 days, which was not significantly different from the average lifespans of female adults stored at 13°C and 11°C (Fig. 5 ). The LT 50 of female adult R. fuscipes declined as the storage temperature decreased (Table 3 ). Regression analysis demonstrated that the LT 50 of female adults stored at 7°C was 15.98 days, which was significantly shorter than the LT 50 of 36.53 days at 15°C. Table 3 LT 50 * of adult Rhynocoris fuscipes under different low-temperature conditions Temperature (℃) Regression equation LT 50 (d) R 2 7℃ Y = − 0.235 + 0.046x 15.98 0.902 9℃ Y = − 0.246 + 0.031x 24.06 0.815 11℃ Y = − 0.224 + 0.026x 27.85 0.788 13℃ Y = − 0.174 + 0.022x 30.64 0.859 15℃ Y = − 0.121 + 0.017x 36.53 0.900 The predation capacity of R. fuscipes on S. litura also showed significant changes after storage under different low-temperature conditions (Table 4 ). The predation capacity of R. fuscipes was reduced with increasing storage duration and decreasing temperature. After 8 days of storage at 15°C, a significant decline in predation capacity was observed. Among all treatments, the lowest predation capacity was recorded following storage at 7°C. After 4 days of storage at 7°C, the predation capacity decreased rapidly, and the predation capacity was only 1.17 ± 0.41 S. litura larvae after 16 days of storage. Table 4 Effects of different low temperatures on adult Rhynocoris fuscipes in terms of their predation on third-instar larvae of Spodoptera litura Temperature (℃) Predatory capacity F 0 d 4 d 8 d 12 d 16d 7 7.33 ± 0.82aA 4.17 ± 0.75bD 2.5 ± 0.55cD 1.83 ± 0.75cdC 1.17 ± 0.41dD F(4,25) = 80.441 9 7.33 ± 0.82aA 5.00 ± 0.63bC 4.83 ± 0.75bC 4.50 ± 0.55bB 3.67 ± 0.52cC F(4,25) = 25.492 11 7.33 ± 0.82aA 6.33 ± 0.52bB 5.67 ± 0.52bcB 5.00 ± 0.63cB 4.67 ± 0.52cB F(4,25) = 18.393 13 7.33 ± 0.82aA 7.00 ± 0.63abAB 6.33 ± 0.52bAB 5.50 ± 0.55cAB 5.33 ± 0.52cA F(4,25) = 12.368 15 7.33 ± 0.82aA 7.17 ± 0.41aA 6.67 ± 0.52abA 6.17 ± 0.41bcA 5.67 ± 0.82cA F(4,25) = 7.457 F F(4,25) = 0 F(4,25) = 28.380 F(4,25) = 49.850 F(4,25) = 47.981 F(4,25) = 60.102 Note: Data are the means ± S.E., where different capital letters indicate significant differences between different temperature treatments at the same time ( P < 0.05), and different lowercase letters indicate significant differences between different storage durations at the same temperature ( P < 0.05). 4 Discussion Low-temperature storage can negatively impact insects through significantly increasing their energy consumption and causing cumulative cold-induced damage that directly disrupts various physiological processes and tissue structures, ultimately leading to increased mortality in the current generation of insects. The impact of damage due to low-temperature storage may extend to subsequent developmental stages and generations, significantly affecting fitness traits such as the lifespan, eclosion rate, sex ratio, body size, and flight dispersal of predatory insects. This study investigated the effects of different low-temperature storage conditions on the eggs, nymphs, and adult females of R . fuscipes . The results indicate that a temperature of 15°C is optimal for the low-temperature storage of R . fuscipes eggs, nymphs, and adult females, with better storage outcomes for adult females than nymphs and eggs. After 30 days of storage at 15°C, the hatching rate was 23.33%, the survival rate of fifth-instar nymphs was 54.28%, and the adult female survival rate was 60.00%. Both the storage temperature and duration significantly affected the egg production per female and the hatching rate. The egg production per female and the hatching rate declined as the temperature decreased from 15°C to 7°C, as well as with extended storage duration. A study by Zhou et al. (2008) found that the egg production per female was significantly lower for adult O . communa stored at 4°C and 6°C compared to those stored at 10°C and 12°C. Additionally, the hatching rate of Mallada sp. eggs stored at 10°C was reduced with extended storage duration (Li et al., 2011). Similarly, the hatching rate of Orius sauteri Poppius (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) decreased with increasing storage duration under low-temperature conditions (Guo et al., 2002). These findings are consistent with the results of the present study. Previous research has shown that under conditions of 6 ± 1°C and 60 ± 5% humidity, the storage duration of Chrysoperla carnea Stephens (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) eggs should not exceed 13 days (Maimaiti et al., 2014). The eggs of E . furcellata can be stored at 15°C for up to 11 days before they lose the ability to hatch normally (Tang et al., 2022). In the current study, R. fuscipes eggs stored at 15°C for 30 days exhibited a sharp decline in the hatching rate to around 20%, suggesting that the eggs of certain insect species may be unsuitable for long-term storage. As the storage temperature decreased and the storage duration increased, adverse impacts were observed on the survival rate, lifespan, and eclosion rate of fifth-instar R. fuscipes nymphs, as well as the survival rate and lifespan of adult females. Similar trends have been reported in the low-temperature storage of other insects. For example, the eclosion rate of A . gifuensis was reduced with prolonged storage at 5°C (Liu et al., 2020). As the storage temperature decreased, the mortality rate of fifth-instar Arma chinensis Fallou (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) nymphs during eclosion increased, in addition to a higher incidence of failure to emerge as adults and the occurrence of wing deformities in emerged adults (Liao et al., 2020). In the low-temperature storage of Encarsia sophia Girault and Dodd (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), storage at 8°C and 12°C for two weeks resulted in a 67.00–87.50% reduction in the eclosion rate compared to storage at 26 ± 1℃, and the lifespan and parasitism rate decreased significantly with extended storage duration (Kidane et al., 2015). The failure of eclosion under low-temperature conditions can be attributed to two primary factors. First, Low temperatures impair precursor protein biosynthesis during insect development, resulting in reduced ecdysteroid levels that ultimately disrupt molting and metamorphosis (Denlinger, 2002 ). Second, predatory insects require significant energy for the muscle contractions necessary for eclosion; however, under low-temperature conditions, elevated energy consumption may adversely affect muscle function, ultimately resulting in the failure of eclosion (MacMillan et al., 2011). The specific mechanisms underlying this phenomenon require further study. In the present study, adult female R. fuscipes stored for 30 days at 7°C experienced 100% mortality, with an average lifespan of only 14.93 days, while those stored at 13°C and 15°C for 30 days had average lifespans of 24.07 days and 25.47 days, respectively. This indicates that excessively low storage temperatures are detrimental to the survival of R. fuscipes adults, and the optimal storage temperature is between 13°C and 15°C. This finding was consistent with previous research demonstrating that adult female Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter (Hemiptera: Miridae) stored at 13°C and adult males stored at 16°C for 14 days had survival rates exceeding 80%, while the survival rate of H. axyridis adults stored at 0°C rapidly declined, but reached 80% after 30 days at 10°C (Pan et al., 2012 ; Zhong et al., 2020). The LT 50 of adult female R. fuscipes rose with increasing storage temperature, a result consistent with previous research on E . furcellata adults, which also exhibited an increase in LT 50 with rising temperature under low-temperature storage (Tang, 2022). The predation capacity of R. fuscipes on S. litura larvae decreased as the storage temperature declined. This finding implies that low-temperature storage negatively impacts the predation capacity of R. fuscipes . A previous report demonstrated that after Microplitis demolitor Wilkinson (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) pupae underwent low-temperature storage for 4 days, the emerged female adults exhibited significantly reduced parasitic capability and a lack of responsiveness to host-released chemical cues (Hérard, 1988). Similarly, after low-temperature storage, Scleroderma guani Xiao et Wu (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) females exhibited significant changes in the time before stinging and the rate of stinging T. molitor pupae (Chen et al., 2006). In contrast, low-temperature storage for more than 15 days at 9.5°C did not significantly affect the parasitism rate of Tamarixia lyciumi Yang (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) (Wang, 2009). Under low-temperature conditions, the predation capability of E . furcellata declined, potentially due to the impact of low temperatures on the synthesis and secretion of saliva or the activity of enzymatic proteins, which in turn affected the ability of E . furcellata to feed on prey (Zhu et al., 2020). Further investigation is needed to determine whether similar mechanisms lead to the reduced predation capacity of R . fuscipes following low-temperature storage. The present study identified the most suitable life stage and optimal conditions for low-temperature storage of R. fuscipes by examining the effects of storage temperature and duration on the egg production, hatching rate, lifespan, survival rate, LT 50 , and predation capacity of R. fuscipes . However, factors influencing storage outcomes are not limited to temperature. Additional external environmental factors such as food availability, photoperiod, and humidity also affect storage outcomes. Studies on the low-temperature storage of H . axyridis , A . chinensis , and E . furcellata have shown that supplying insects with food and water can significantly improve survival rates (Pan et al., 2012 ; Liao et al., 2020; Tang et al., 2022). In the present study, R. fuscipes was not provided with food or water during storage. Thus, further research is necessary to explore whether the addition of food can enhance its survival and vitality during low-temperature storage. The failure of some fifth-instar nymphs to eclose into adults may be attributed to the effects of low temperatures on ecdysteroids and precursor protein biosynthesis. These regulatory mechanisms need to be further investigated using molecular biology techniques. Ultimately, the effectiveness of a storage method is evaluated based on its practical application in the field. However, limited research has examined the quality of predatory insects after low-temperature storage through field trials. To address this research gap, future studies should combine laboratory observations with field experiments to provide technical parameters for the commercial production and application of R. fuscipes . With the rapid advancement of the biological control industry, research on low-temperature storage techniques will become increasingly sophisticated, helping to reduce application costs for predatory insects and enabling their use as biological control agents in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. 5 Conclusion This study investigated the effects of the low-temperature storage of R . fuscipes on its hatching rate, the lifespans and survival rates of fifth-instar nymphs and adult females, egg production, the LT 50 of adult females, and the predation capacity of adult females on S . litura . The results indicate that adults are more compatible with low-temperature storage than nymphs and eggs. At the optimal storage temperature of 15°C, the average lifespan and LT 50 of adult females were 25.47 days and 36.53 days, respectively, the lifespan of fifth-instar nymphs was 23.87 days, and the hatching rate of eggs stored for 16 days was 70.67%. Declarations Ethical Approval This study did not involve human or animal subjects, and thus, no ethical approval was required. Author Contributions Conceptualization, Z.S., H.D. and D.C.; methodology, Z.S. and H.W.; software, Z.S. and Z.Z.; validation, Z.S. and D.C.; investigation,M.F and X.W.; data curation, Z.S. and X.W.; writing—original draft preparation, Z.S.; writing—review and editing, Z.S., H.D. and D.C. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. Fundin g This research was funded by the Major Science and Technology Project of CNTC, grant numbers 110202101028(LS-03), 110202101046(LS-06), 110202201027(LS-11) and 110202101050(LS-10). Conflicts of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Data Availability Statement The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author, due to the privacy discipline. References Ambrose D P, Claver M A. Functional and numerical responses of the reduviid predator, Rhynocoris fuscipes F. (Het. Reduviidae) to cotton leafworm Spodoptera litura F. (Lep. Noctuidae) [J]. Journal of Applied Entomology,2010, 121(1):331-336. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0418.1997.tb01415.x Cao H, Luo X, Wei X, et al. Effects of cold-storage temperature on the survival and growth and development of Serangium japanicum (Coleoptera:Coccinellidae)[J]. Acta Entomologica Sinica,2023,66(02):226-234. https://doi.org/10.16380/j.kcxb.2023.02.012 Chen Q, Liang H Z, Zhang Q S, et al. Effect of Cold Storage of Tenebrio molitor Pupae on the Breeding of Scleroderma guani [J]. Chinese Journal of Biological Control,2006(01):30-32. http://www.zgswfz.com.cn/EN/abstract/abstract317.shtml Colinet H, Boivin Q. 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Impact of low-temperature refrigeration on the eggs and pupae development of Mallada sp.[J].Journal of Environmental Entomology,2011,33(4):478-481. https://kns.cnki.net/kcms2/article/abstract?v=i7m15r_oBqpPp14-PkfDEtvi-8-MuM3jsZDsOqN0lgU8SSG7nN9MZ6zQnXxwEkL-c1KUJgNJiH415CmlRZ_gN_XS05s0O6WishPWEskuSSNywXPrpjUgLXCN0gZpahhT-PMr6JXLZqElXduGpkWlBXXGQz_kpfUHa_x49l7uP17J_yvXfoFVxw==&uniplatform=NZKPT&language=CHS Liao P, Shi X, Guo Y, et al. Influence of Low Temperature on Growth and Development of Arma chinensis Fallou (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)[J] . Chinese Journal of Biological Control,2020,36(03):340-346. https://doi.org/10.16409/j.cnki.2095-039x.2020.03.002 Liu W, Yu L, Guo X, et al. Effect of the Activities of Aphidius gifuensis on Low Temperature Storage[J]. Entomology of Central China,2020,16(00):185-192. https://d.wanfangdata.com.cn/conference/ChxDb25mZXJlbmNlTmV3UzIwMjQxMTEzMTU1MjI0Eggx MDgyNDk0MBoIbW50amJ0ZDU%3D MacMillan H A, Sinclair B J. Mechanisms underlying insect chill-coma[J]. Journal of insect physiology, 2011, 57(1): 12-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinsphys.2010.10.004 Pan Y, Chang S, Zhang X, et al. Effects of Different Cold Storage Conditions on Survival Rate of the Over-wintering Harmonia axyridis [J]. Hunan Agricultural Sciences ,2012(17):77-78+81. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1006-060X.2012.17.024 Tang Y, Zhao H, Zhang M, et al. Suitable Stage and Conditions for Low Temperature Storage of Eocanthecona furcellata [J]. Chinese Journal of Biological Control,2022,38(5):1345-1353. https://doi.org/10.16409/j.cnki.2095-039x.2022.03.028 Uçkan F, Gülel A . The Effects of Cold Storage on the Adult Longevity, Fecundityand Sex Ratio of Apanteles galleriae Wilkinson (Hym.: Braconidae), [J]. Turkish Journal of Zoology, 2001,25(3):187-191. https://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/zoology/vol25/iss3/4 Wang J Q. Study on the Biological Characteristics of Tamarixa lyciumi Yang (Hymenoptera:Eulophidae)[D]. Inner Mongolia Normal University,2009. https://doi.org/10.7666/d.y1520042 Yang M, Chen J, Ye Z, et al. Effects of Short-term Low Temperature Stress on Survival, Development and Reproduction of the Coccophagus japonicus Compere[J]. Chinese Journal of Biological Control,2023,39(5):1029-1037. https://doi.org/10.16409/j.cnki.2095-039x.2022.11.025 You Z Y, Liu P P, Pu X, et al. Predatory Functional Response of Different Instars of Rhynocoris fuscipes (Fabricius) Preying on Agrotis ipsilon (Rottemberg) Larvae[J].Tianjin Agricultural Sciences,2023,29(08):49-55. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1006-6500.2023.08.009 Zeng T, You Z, Xia C, et al. Effects of High Temperature Stress on the Survival and Functional Response of Rhynocoris fuscipes to the Larvae of Spodoptera litura [J] . Chinese Tobacco Science 2023,44(3):53-61. https://doi.org/10.13496/j.issn.1007-5119.2023.03.008 Zhao P, Yuan J. The Insect List and Faunal Analysis of Harpactorinae in Guizhou Province[J]. Guizhou Agricultural Sciences,2011,39(07):99-102. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-3601.2011.07.030 Zhong Y Q, Liao X L, Hou M L. Cold Storage of Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Adults[J].Chinese Journal of Biological Control,2020,36(04):545-550. https://doi.org/10.16409/j.cnki.2095-039x.2020.04.015 Zhou Z, Guo J, Wan F, et al. Impacts of Low Temperature Storage on Survival and Fecundity of Ophraella communa LeSage (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)[J]. Chinese Journal of Biological Control,2008(04):376-378. https://doi.org/10.3321/j.issn:1005-9261.2008.04.016 Zhu Y, Yin Y, Wang Z, et al. Effect of Temperature on Trypsin Activity and Morphology of Digestive Organs of Arma chinensis (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)[J]. Chinese Journal of Biological Control,2020,38(3):767-773. https://doi.org/10.16409/j.cnki.2095-039x.2021.05.007 Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Reviewers agreed at journal 20 Jul, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 15 Jul, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 24 Jun, 2025 First submitted to journal 23 Jun, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6936810","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":485786269,"identity":"3a6c6ac3-b920-4b5d-adaf-f7645fed7037","order_by":0,"name":"Zheng Sun","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Guangdong Institute of Tobacco Science","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Zheng","middleName":"","lastName":"Sun","suffix":""},{"id":485786270,"identity":"49b4745e-0639-4c6a-8046-569c0bb00bc5","order_by":1,"name":"Xuebo Wang","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Guangdong Institute of Tobacco Science","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Xuebo","middleName":"","lastName":"Wang","suffix":""},{"id":485786271,"identity":"ce34641c-49a8-4f68-bb0a-76d445b9046e","order_by":2,"name":"Zhaohui Zong","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Guangdong Institute of Tobacco Science","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Zhaohui","middleName":"","lastName":"Zong","suffix":""},{"id":485786272,"identity":"4062bbb1-f695-4535-a91c-fc4c062dad78","order_by":3,"name":"Hang Wang","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Guangdong Institute of Tobacco Science","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Hang","middleName":"","lastName":"Wang","suffix":""},{"id":485786273,"identity":"587a3ec8-e3b0-48ef-a465-d2b48d29f371","order_by":4,"name":"Dexin Chen","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Haikou Cigar Research 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08:13:18","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6936810/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6936810/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":86949967,"identity":"f5d76b50-5968-4ea8-adbb-8158ec9a8b4f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-07-17 13:58:43","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":100652,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eEffects of different cold storage temperatures and durations on the hatching rate of \u003cem\u003eRhynocoris fuscipes \u003c/em\u003eeggs\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6936810/v1/edca8c74f7d1ff3ed7bcdd27.png"},{"id":86949279,"identity":"137ebfd9-0c0d-4ddf-8514-487555ffdffc","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-07-17 13:50:43","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":92140,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eEffect of cold storage duration on the survival rate of \u003cem\u003eRhynocoris fuscipes \u003c/em\u003efifth-instar nymphs\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6936810/v1/149d003b6c50cf57ab80ffa6.png"},{"id":86949280,"identity":"a6d28656-ef38-46ee-88db-aa4cb6a0c73d","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-07-17 13:50:43","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":110560,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eLifespan of \u003cem\u003eRhynocoris fuscipes \u003c/em\u003efifth-instar nymphs under different temperature conditions\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNote: Data are the means±S.E., and the lowercase letters in the figure indicate significant differences among different temperatures (\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026lt;0.05).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6936810/v1/682b6f9c5767353cb4983a3d.png"},{"id":86949286,"identity":"88d0e2f2-8c66-499e-8594-8b262407723c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-07-17 13:50:43","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":88992,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eEffect of cold storage duration on the survival rate of adult female \u003cem\u003eRhynocoris fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6936810/v1/dae5aed864daac57a3095d89.png"},{"id":86950216,"identity":"3f481b62-9c1a-487e-834f-5986b3d456b9","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-07-17 14:06:43","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":38764,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eLifespan of adult female \u003cem\u003eRhynocoris fuscipes \u003c/em\u003eunder different temperature conditions\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNote: Data are the means±S.E., and the lowercase letters in the figure indicate significant differences among different temperatures (\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026lt;0.05).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6936810/v1/039bdde74d4bf5a5f8b6b323.png"},{"id":86951099,"identity":"84bc0888-c6e3-4a57-bfc5-774dc98725b4","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-07-17 14:14:44","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1370681,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6936810/v1/462317c5-b363-45d2-ae92-922e5017a657.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003eEffects of Low-Temperature Storage on the Vitality and Predation Capacity of \u003cem\u003eRhynocoris fuscipes \u003c/em\u003eFabricius (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"1. INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe use of predatory insects for eco-friendly pest control is a crucial strategy in integrated pest management. Because the occurrence of predatory insects follows and lags behind the occurrence of pests in the field, it is essential to release a sufficient number of predatory insects at the initial pest outbreak. This necessitates the prior storage of an adequate quantity of predatory insects to enable synchronized release during the initial emergence of pests for effective pest control. Low-temperature storage is a crucial step in the large-scale production and release of predatory insects. Developing effective low-temperature storage methods has long been a research focus in the field of biological control (Colinet and Boivin, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e). Research on low-temperature storage methods primarily focuses on storage temperature and duration. Studies have shown that as the temperature decreases and the duration of stress increases, the survival and development of predatory insects are affected to varying degrees, potentially leading to significantly increased mortality (Hance et al., 2007). For example, when \u003cem\u003eAphidius gifuensis\u003c/em\u003e Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was stored at 5\u0026deg;C for 5 days, the eclosion rate was 83.41%; however, when the storage duration exceeded 40 days, the eclosion rate dropped to below 50% (Liu et al., 2020). Under prolonged low-temperature stress, \u003cem\u003eCoccophagus japonicus\u003c/em\u003e Compere (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) exhibited decreases in the survival rates of larvae and pupae and a reduction in the adult female lifespan (Yang et al., 2023). \u003cem\u003eSerangium japonicum\u003c/em\u003e Chapin (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) adults stored at 16\u0026deg;C for 10 days had survival rates and F\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e generation survival rates comparable to those stored at 26\u0026deg;C, but all adults died after 10 days of storage at 7\u0026deg;C (Cao et al., 2023). Different insect species exhibit varying levels of tolerance to low temperatures. For example, \u003cem\u003eHarmonia axyridis\u003c/em\u003e Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) demonstrated a survival rate of 90% after storage at 6\u0026deg;C for 60 days, and the survival rate remained above 60% even after 105 days of storage (Pan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e). The survival rate of \u003cem\u003eOphraella communa\u003c/em\u003e LeSage (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) pupae was 77.1% after storage at 6\u0026deg;C for 20 days; however, after storage for 30 days, the survival rate dropped sharply to 2.5% (Zhou et al., 2008). Moreover, the survival rate of male adult \u003cem\u003eEocanthecona furcellata\u003c/em\u003e Wolff (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) was below 20% after 20 days of storage at 7\u0026deg;C, reflecting a relatively low tolerance to low temperatures (Tang et al., 2022). The survival rate of adult \u003cem\u003eApanteles galleriae\u003c/em\u003e Wikinson (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) reported as less than 15% after 7 days of storage at 6\u0026deg;C, and all adults died following 15 days of storage at 6\u0026deg;C (U\u0026ccedil;kan and G\u0026uuml;lel, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e). In the production of predatory insects, there is often a trade-off between extending the product shelf life using low-temperature storage and the potential risk of high mortality due to storage (Lenin et al., 2016). Achieving a balance between these two factors is of great significance for optimizing predatory insect storage technology, providing a stable source of insects for field release, and realizing effective biological control.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRhynocoris. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e is an important predatory insect that belongs to the Reduviidae family in the order Hemiptera (Huang, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e; Zhao and Yuan, 2011). \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e can prey on a variety of pests in tobacco fields, including \u003cem\u003eSpodoptera litura\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eHelicoverpa assulta\u003c/em\u003e Guen\u0026eacute;e (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), \u003cem\u003eMyzus persicae\u003c/em\u003e Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae), and \u003cem\u003eAgrotis ypsilon\u003c/em\u003e von Rottemburg (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), as well as other pests, including \u003cem\u003eDysdercus cingulatus\u003c/em\u003e Fabricius (Hemiptera: Acanaloniidae), \u003cem\u003eHelicoverpa armigera\u003c/em\u003e H\u0026uuml;bner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae),, \u003cem\u003eEarias insulana\u003c/em\u003e Boisduval (Lepidoptera: Nolidae), \u003cem\u003eCnaphalocrocis medinalis\u003c/em\u003e Guen\u0026eacute;e (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), \u003cem\u003eChilo suppressalis\u003c/em\u003e Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), and \u003cem\u003eNilaparvata lugens\u003c/em\u003e St\u0026aring;l (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) (Ambrose \u0026amp; Claver,2010; Deng et al., 2012; Deng et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; You et al., 2023). This predatory insect has broad application prospects in the control of agricultural and forestry pests.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e is a large predatory insect with a long developmental cycle (Zeng et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e), research on low-temperature storage techniques for this species is particularly important for its mass rearing and release. However, studies on the low-temperature storage conditions suitable for \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e are limited. Guo et al. (2021) investigated the effects of low temperatures (12\u0026deg;C and 18\u0026deg;C) on the growth and development of \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e; however, the limited range of temperatures did not yield sufficient data for the accurate regulation of the development and storage of \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e during mass production. Therefore, the present study examined the effects of different storage temperatures (7\u0026deg;C, 9\u0026deg;C, 11\u0026deg;C, 13\u0026deg;C, and 15\u0026deg;C) and storage duration (5d、10d、15d、20d、25d、30d) on the hatching rate, the lifespans and survival rates of fifth-instar nymphs and female adults, egg production, the median lethal time (LT\u003csub\u003e50\u003c/sub\u003e) of female adults, and predation on \u003cem\u003eS. litura\u003c/em\u003e. These results were used to determine the optimal developmental stage and duration for the low-temperature storage of \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e. This study aimed to provide a theoretical basis for selecting the appropriate low-temperature storage conditions and developmental stage to extend the shelf life of \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2 Materials and Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.1 Insect Source\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdult individuals of \u003cem\u003eR\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003efuscipes\u003c/em\u003e were collected from a tobacco field in Dongxiangpu Village, Gushi Town, Nanxiong City, Guangdong Province, China. The insects were reared on mealworm (\u003cem\u003eTenebrio molitor\u003c/em\u003e Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)) larvae until they produced eggs and the eggs had hatched. The first- to second-instar nymphs of \u003cem\u003eR\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003efuscipes\u003c/em\u003e were fed on \u003cem\u003eM\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003epersicae\u003c/em\u003e, while the third- to fifth-instar nymphs and adults were provided with mealworm larvae. Following multiple generations of laboratory rearing, these insects were utilized for the subsequent experiments. \u003cem\u003eT. molitor\u003c/em\u003e larvae and \u003cem\u003eM. persicae\u003c/em\u003e were selected as prey sources due to their ease of large-scale rearing; however, first- to second-instar \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e were unable to consume \u003cem\u003eT. molitor\u003c/em\u003e larvae because of their small size, so \u003cem\u003eM. persicae\u003c/em\u003e were supplied to these early-instar \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e. The rearing temperature was set at 28℃, as \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e primarily inhabits subtropical regions of Asia and exhibits optimal growth and development at higher temperatures.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.2 Experimental Methods\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.2.1 Determination of R. fuscipes Egg Production and Hatching Rate After Low-Temperature Storage\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEgg Production\u003c/b\u003e: At 72 hours following eclosion, adult female and male \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e were paired at a 1:1 ratio and placed in breeding boxes (16.2 cm long \u0026times; 11.5 cm wide \u0026times; 6.0 cm high). The boxes were stored in light incubators at 7\u0026deg;C, 9\u0026deg;C, 11\u0026deg;C, 13\u0026deg;C, and 15\u0026deg;C for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 days. After low-temperature storage, the insects were transferred to a light incubator and reared at 28\u0026deg;C on third-instar mealworm larvae. The number of eggs laid by each female adult was recorded until their death.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHatching Rate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eTobacco leaves with \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e eggs were cut and placed in plastic boxes (11.6 cm long \u0026times; 8.2 cm wide \u0026times; 4.3 cm high). The boxes were stored at 7\u0026deg;C, 9\u0026deg;C, 11\u0026deg;C, 13\u0026deg;C, and 15\u0026deg;C. Every 2 days, 50 eggs were removed from each treatment and placed in a breeding box. The eggs were incubated in a light incubator at 28\u0026deg;C. Hatched eggs were observed and the hatching rate was recorded daily for 12 days.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e2.2.2 Measurement of Survival Rate, Lifespan, and Eclosion Rate of R. fuscipes Under Different Low-Temperature Storage Conditions\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSurvival Rate and Lifespan of Fifth-Instar Nymphs\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnder the temperature conditions of 7\u0026deg;C, 9\u0026deg;C, 11\u0026deg;C, 13\u0026deg;C, and 15\u0026deg;C, fifth-instar nymphs of \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e were placed in individual plastic breeding boxes with holes in the lid (30 mm bottom diameter, 39 mm top diameter, and 32 mm high). Each temperature treatment had three replicates, with 10 nymphs per replicate. The mortality of fifth-instar nymphs was recorded every 2 days over a period of 30 days.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEclosion Rate of Fifth-Instar Nymphs\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eUsing the method described above, fifth-instar nymphs were stored at low temperatures for 3, 6, 9, and 12 days. The nymphs were then transferred to an incubator and reared at 28\u0026deg;C on third-instar mealworm larvae. The number of nymphs that successfully eclosed into adults was recorded.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.2.3 Measurement of the LT\u003csub\u003e50\u003c/sub\u003e of Adult Female R. fuscipes After Low-Temperature Storage\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnder the five temperature conditions of 7\u0026deg;C, 9\u0026deg;C, 11\u0026deg;C, 13\u0026deg;C, and 15\u0026deg;C, the mortality of adult female \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e was recorded every 2 days for 30 consecutive days.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e2.2.4 Measurement of the Predation Capacity of Adult Female R. fuscipes on S. litura Larvae After Low-Temperature Storage\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdult female \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e were stored at low temperatures of 7\u0026deg;C, 9\u0026deg;C, 11\u0026deg;C, 13\u0026deg;C, and 15\u0026deg;C for 4, 8, 12, and 16 days. Subsequently, 15 third-instar larvae of \u003cem\u003eS. litura\u003c/em\u003e were placed in each box. The number of larvae consumed by adult female \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e within 24 hours was observed and recorded.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.3 Statistical Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eData were processed and analyzed using Excel 2010 and SPSS 19.0. The average values of biological characteristics such as the egg production, hatching rate, and survival rate of \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e were employed for statistical analysis. One-way or two-way analyses of variance followed by Duncan\u0026rsquo;s multiple range test were utilized for comparisons. Probit regression analysis was conducted to calculate the LT\u003csub\u003e50\u003c/sub\u003e of adult \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e under different low-temperature storage conditions.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3 Results and Analysis","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.1 Effects of Low-Temperature Storage on \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e Egg Production and Hatching Rate\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe results showed that different low-temperature storage treatments significantly affected the egg production per female (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). Within the temperature range of 7\u0026deg;C to 15\u0026deg;C, the egg production per female increased with rising temperatures. Females stored at 15\u0026deg;C exhibited the highest egg production, which was significantly higher than that of females stored at 7\u0026deg;C. The duration of low-temperature storage also affected the egg production per female. As shown in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, with prolonged storage duration, egg production decreased across all storage temperatures. The egg production per female was lowest after 30 days of storage at all temperatures. Specifically, after 25 days of storage at 7\u0026deg;C, female \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e ceased laying eggs. After 25 days of storage at 15\u0026deg;C, the egg production per female was 35.60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.90, significantly lower than the value of 84.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.05 recorded after 5 days of storage at the same temperature.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEffects of different cold storage temperatures and durations on the number of eggs laid by adult female \u003cem\u003eRhynocoris fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eStorage temperature (℃)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"6\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNumber of eggs laid per female\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5 d\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10 d\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15 d\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20 d\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25 d\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30 d\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7℃\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e48.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.11aD\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e29.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.84bD\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.87cD\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.55dC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e(3,12)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;409.164\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9℃\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e64.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.60aC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52.70\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.06bC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39.40\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.86cC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.90dB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.42eD\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.89fD\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e(3,12)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;620.381\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11℃\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e71.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.91aB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e66.20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.88bB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e54.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.61cB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e33.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.09dB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.49eC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.18fC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e(3,12)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;471.703\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13℃\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e84.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.30aA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e74.30\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.49bA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e64.30\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.25cA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e43.20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.45dA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.30eB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.70\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.13fB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e(3,12)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;412.865\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15℃\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e84.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.05aA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e75.60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.80bA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e66.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.81cA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e43.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.71dA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35.60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.90eA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.80fA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e(3,12)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;158.677\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e(4,10)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;104.484\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e(4,10)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;143.155\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e(4,10)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;395.896\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e(4,10)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;174.823\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e(4,10)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;210.854\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e(4,10)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;71.497\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"8\"\u003eNote: Data are the means\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SE, where different capital letters indicate significant differences between different temperature treatments at the same time (\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05), and different lowercase letters indicate significant differences between different storage durations at the same temperature (\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05), and the same below.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe hatching rates also varied significantly under different low-temperature storage conditions (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). The hatching rate declined with decreasing storage temperature and increasing storage duration. After 16 days of storage, the hatching rate of egg masses stored at 15\u0026deg;C was 70.67%, compared to 28.67% for egg masses stored at 7\u0026deg;C. After 20 days of storage, the hatching rate under storage at 15\u0026deg;C decreased to 54.00%, while the hatching rate for storage at 7\u0026deg;C was only 8.67%. After 30 days of storage, the hatching rate under storage at 15\u0026deg;C declined to 23.33%, while the hatching rate for egg masses stored at 7\u0026deg;C was 0. These results suggest that 15\u0026deg;C is the optimal storage temperature for \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e eggs, and the storage duration should not exceed 16 days to maintain a high hatching rate.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e3.2 Effects of Low-Temperature Storage on the Survival Rate, Lifespan, and Eclosion Rate of Fifth-Instar\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003eNymphs\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe survival rate of fifth-instar \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e nymphs decreased with increasing storage duration and decreasing temperature (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). The maximum lifespan was 22 days at 7\u0026deg;C and 26 days at 9\u0026deg;C, while the maximum lifespan exceeded 30 days at 11\u0026deg;C, 13\u0026deg;C, and 15\u0026deg;C. In terms of the average lifespan, nymphs stored at 13\u0026deg;C and 15\u0026deg;C lived significantly longer than those stored at other temperatures, reaching average lifespans of 22.20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.04 and 23.87\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.50 days, respectively. The average lifespans of nymphs stored at 7\u0026deg;C and 9\u0026deg;C were significantly shorter at only 13.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.70 and 15.87\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.99 days, respectively (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStorage temperature and duration also significantly influenced the eclosion rate of fifth-instar nymphs (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). Overall, the eclosion rate of \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e nymphs decreased with increasing storage duration and decreasing temperature. The highest eclosion rate of 98.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.47% was recorded after 3 days of storage at 15\u0026deg;C, while the lowest eclosion rate of 42.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.47% was recorded after 12 days of storage at 7\u0026deg;C.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEclosion rate of \u003cem\u003eRhynocoris fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e fifth-instar nymphs under different temperature conditions\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eStorage temperature (℃)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEclosion rate (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 d\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6 d\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9 d\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12 d\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e76.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.48aC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e62.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.37bD\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e48.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.37cC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e42.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.47cD\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF(4,15)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;24.281\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e84.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.94aB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e72.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.37aC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e64.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.48bB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e54.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.48cC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF(4,15)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;15.333\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e94.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.48aA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e86.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.48abB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e78.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.37bA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e64.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.48cB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF(4,15)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;20.458\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e96.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.48aA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e92.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.37aAB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e80.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.07bA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e68.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.37cB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF(4,15)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;14.545\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e98.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.47aA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e96.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.48aA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e84.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.48bA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e78.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.37bA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF(4,15)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;12.267\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF(4,20)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;11.421\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF(4,20)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;18.778\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF(4,20)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;21.920\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF(4,20)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;21.500\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"6\"\u003eNote: Data are the means\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;S.E., where different capital letters indicate significant differences between different temperature treatments at the same time (\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05), and different lowercase letters indicate significant differences between different storage durations at the same temperature (\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05).\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.3 Effects of Low-Temperature Storage on Adult Female \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe survival rate of adult female \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e decreased with prolonged storage duration across all five storage temperatures (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). The survival rate declined the most rapidly at 7\u0026deg;C, with the maximum lifespan being only 26 days. At 9\u0026deg;C, 11\u0026deg;C, 13\u0026deg;C, and 15\u0026deg;C, the maximum lifespan exceeded 30 days. In terms of the average lifespan, female adults stored at 7\u0026deg;C had the shortest average lifespan of 14.93\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.02 days, while those stored at 15\u0026deg;C had the longest average lifespan of 25.47\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.61 days, which was not significantly different from the average lifespans of female adults stored at 13\u0026deg;C and 11\u0026deg;C (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe LT\u003csub\u003e50\u003c/sub\u003e of female adult \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e declined as the storage temperature decreased (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). Regression analysis demonstrated that the LT\u003csub\u003e50\u003c/sub\u003e of female adults stored at 7\u0026deg;C was 15.98 days, which was significantly shorter than the LT\u003csub\u003e50\u003c/sub\u003e of 36.53 days at 15\u0026deg;C.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLT\u003csub\u003e50\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e of adult \u003cem\u003eRhynocoris fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e under different low-temperature conditions\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTemperature (℃)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegression equation\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLT\u003csub\u003e50\u003c/sub\u003e (d)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eR\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7℃\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eY\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.235\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;0.046x\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15.98\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.902\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9℃\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eY\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.246\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;0.031x\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.06\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.815\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11℃\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eY\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.224\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;0.026x\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27.85\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.788\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13℃\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eY\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.174\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;0.022x\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30.64\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.859\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15℃\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eY\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.121\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;0.017x\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36.53\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.900\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe predation capacity of \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e on \u003cem\u003eS. litura\u003c/em\u003e also showed significant changes after storage under different low-temperature conditions (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). The predation capacity of \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e was reduced with increasing storage duration and decreasing temperature. After 8 days of storage at 15\u0026deg;C, a significant decline in predation capacity was observed. Among all treatments, the lowest predation capacity was recorded following storage at 7\u0026deg;C. After 4 days of storage at 7\u0026deg;C, the predation capacity decreased rapidly, and the predation capacity was only 1.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.41 \u003cem\u003eS. litura\u003c/em\u003e larvae after 16 days of storage.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEffects of different low temperatures on adult \u003cem\u003eRhynocoris fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e in terms of their predation on third-instar larvae of \u003cem\u003eSpodoptera litura\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTemperature (℃)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePredatory capacity\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0 d\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4 d\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8 d\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12 d\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16d\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.82aA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.75bD\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.55cD\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.83\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.75cdC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.41dD\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF(4,25)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;80.441\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.82aA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.63bC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.83\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.75bC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.55bB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.52cC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF(4,25)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;25.492\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.82aA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.52bB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.52bcB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.63cB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.52cB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF(4,25)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;18.393\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.82aA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.63abAB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.52bAB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.55cAB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.52cA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF(4,25)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;12.368\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.82aA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.41aA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.52abA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.41bcA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.82cA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF(4,25)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;7.457\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF(4,25)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF(4,25)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;28.380\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF(4,25)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;49.850\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF(4,25)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;47.981\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF(4,25)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;60.102\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"7\"\u003eNote: Data are the means\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;S.E., where different capital letters indicate significant differences between different temperature treatments at the same time (\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05), and different lowercase letters indicate significant differences between different storage durations at the same temperature (\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05).\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4 Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eLow-temperature storage can negatively impact insects through significantly increasing their energy consumption and causing cumulative cold-induced damage that directly disrupts various physiological processes and tissue structures, ultimately leading to increased mortality in the current generation of insects. The impact of damage due to low-temperature storage may extend to subsequent developmental stages and generations, significantly affecting fitness traits such as the lifespan, eclosion rate, sex ratio, body size, and flight dispersal of predatory insects.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study investigated the effects of different low-temperature storage conditions on the eggs, nymphs, and adult females of \u003cem\u003eR\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003efuscipes\u003c/em\u003e. The results indicate that a temperature of 15\u0026deg;C is optimal for the low-temperature storage of \u003cem\u003eR\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003efuscipes\u003c/em\u003e eggs, nymphs, and adult females, with better storage outcomes for adult females than nymphs and eggs. After 30 days of storage at 15\u0026deg;C, the hatching rate was 23.33%, the survival rate of fifth-instar nymphs was 54.28%, and the adult female survival rate was 60.00%.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBoth the storage temperature and duration significantly affected the egg production per female and the hatching rate. The egg production per female and the hatching rate declined as the temperature decreased from 15\u0026deg;C to 7\u0026deg;C, as well as with extended storage duration. A study by Zhou et al. (2008) found that the egg production per female was significantly lower for adult \u003cem\u003eO\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003ecommuna\u003c/em\u003e stored at 4\u0026deg;C and 6\u0026deg;C compared to those stored at 10\u0026deg;C and 12\u0026deg;C. Additionally, the hatching rate of \u003cem\u003eMallada\u003c/em\u003e sp. eggs stored at 10\u0026deg;C was reduced with extended storage duration (Li et al., 2011). Similarly, the hatching rate of \u003cem\u003eOrius sauteri\u003c/em\u003e Poppius (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) decreased with increasing storage duration under low-temperature conditions (Guo et al., 2002). These findings are consistent with the results of the present study. Previous research has shown that under conditions of 6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1\u0026deg;C and 60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5% humidity, the storage duration of \u003cem\u003eChrysoperla carnea\u003c/em\u003e Stephens (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) eggs should not exceed 13 days (Maimaiti et al., 2014). The eggs of \u003cem\u003eE\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003efurcellata\u003c/em\u003e can be stored at 15\u0026deg;C for up to 11 days before they lose the ability to hatch normally (Tang et al., 2022). In the current study, \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e eggs stored at 15\u0026deg;C for 30 days exhibited a sharp decline in the hatching rate to around 20%, suggesting that the eggs of certain insect species may be unsuitable for long-term storage.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs the storage temperature decreased and the storage duration increased, adverse impacts were observed on the survival rate, lifespan, and eclosion rate of fifth-instar \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e nymphs, as well as the survival rate and lifespan of adult females. Similar trends have been reported in the low-temperature storage of other insects. For example, the eclosion rate of \u003cem\u003eA\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003egifuensis\u003c/em\u003e was reduced with prolonged storage at 5\u0026deg;C (Liu et al., 2020). As the storage temperature decreased, the mortality rate of fifth-instar \u003cem\u003eArma chinensis\u003c/em\u003e Fallou (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) nymphs during eclosion increased, in addition to a higher incidence of failure to emerge as adults and the occurrence of wing deformities in emerged adults (Liao et al., 2020). In the low-temperature storage of \u003cem\u003eEncarsia sophia\u003c/em\u003e Girault and Dodd (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), storage at 8\u0026deg;C and 12\u0026deg;C for two weeks resulted in a 67.00\u0026ndash;87.50% reduction in the eclosion rate compared to storage at 26\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1℃, and the lifespan and parasitism rate decreased significantly with extended storage duration (Kidane et al., 2015). The failure of eclosion under low-temperature conditions can be attributed to two primary factors. First, Low temperatures impair precursor protein biosynthesis during insect development, resulting in reduced ecdysteroid levels that ultimately disrupt molting and metamorphosis (Denlinger, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e). Second, predatory insects require significant energy for the muscle contractions necessary for eclosion; however, under low-temperature conditions, elevated energy consumption may adversely affect muscle function, ultimately resulting in the failure of eclosion (MacMillan et al., 2011). The specific mechanisms underlying this phenomenon require further study. In the present study, adult female \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e stored for 30 days at 7\u0026deg;C experienced 100% mortality, with an average lifespan of only 14.93 days, while those stored at 13\u0026deg;C and 15\u0026deg;C for 30 days had average lifespans of 24.07 days and 25.47 days, respectively. This indicates that excessively low storage temperatures are detrimental to the survival of \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e adults, and the optimal storage temperature is between 13\u0026deg;C and 15\u0026deg;C. This finding was consistent with previous research demonstrating that adult female \u003cem\u003eCyrtorhinus lividipennis\u003c/em\u003e Reuter (Hemiptera: Miridae) stored at 13\u0026deg;C and adult males stored at 16\u0026deg;C for 14 days had survival rates exceeding 80%, while the survival rate of \u003cem\u003eH. axyridis\u003c/em\u003e adults stored at 0\u0026deg;C rapidly declined, but reached 80% after 30 days at 10\u0026deg;C (Pan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e; Zhong et al., 2020). The LT\u003csub\u003e50\u003c/sub\u003e of adult female \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e rose with increasing storage temperature, a result consistent with previous research on \u003cem\u003eE\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003efurcellata\u003c/em\u003e adults, which also exhibited an increase in LT\u003csub\u003e50\u003c/sub\u003e with rising temperature under low-temperature storage (Tang, 2022).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe predation capacity of \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e on \u003cem\u003eS. litura\u003c/em\u003e larvae decreased as the storage temperature declined. This finding implies that low-temperature storage negatively impacts the predation capacity of \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e. A previous report demonstrated that after \u003cem\u003eMicroplitis demolitor\u003c/em\u003e Wilkinson (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) pupae underwent low-temperature storage for 4 days, the emerged female adults exhibited significantly reduced parasitic capability and a lack of responsiveness to host-released chemical cues (H\u0026eacute;rard, 1988). Similarly, after low-temperature storage, \u003cem\u003eScleroderma guani\u003c/em\u003e Xiao et Wu (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) females exhibited significant changes in the time before stinging and the rate of stinging \u003cem\u003eT. molitor\u003c/em\u003e pupae (Chen et al., 2006). In contrast, low-temperature storage for more than 15 days at 9.5\u0026deg;C did not significantly affect the parasitism rate of \u003cem\u003eTamarixia lyciumi\u003c/em\u003e Yang (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) (Wang, 2009). Under low-temperature conditions, the predation capability of \u003cem\u003eE\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003efurcellata\u003c/em\u003e declined, potentially due to the impact of low temperatures on the synthesis and secretion of saliva or the activity of enzymatic proteins, which in turn affected the ability of \u003cem\u003eE\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003efurcellata\u003c/em\u003e to feed on prey (Zhu et al., 2020). Further investigation is needed to determine whether similar mechanisms lead to the reduced predation capacity of \u003cem\u003eR\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003efuscipes\u003c/em\u003e following low-temperature storage.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe present study identified the most suitable life stage and optimal conditions for low-temperature storage of \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e by examining the effects of storage temperature and duration on the egg production, hatching rate, lifespan, survival rate, LT\u003csub\u003e50\u003c/sub\u003e, and predation capacity of \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e. However, factors influencing storage outcomes are not limited to temperature. Additional external environmental factors such as food availability, photoperiod, and humidity also affect storage outcomes. Studies on the low-temperature storage of \u003cem\u003eH\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003eaxyridis\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eA\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003echinensis\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eE\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003efurcellata\u003c/em\u003e have shown that supplying insects with food and water can significantly improve survival rates (Pan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e; Liao et al., 2020; Tang et al., 2022). In the present study, \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e was not provided with food or water during storage. Thus, further research is necessary to explore whether the addition of food can enhance its survival and vitality during low-temperature storage. The failure of some fifth-instar nymphs to eclose into adults may be attributed to the effects of low temperatures on ecdysteroids and precursor protein biosynthesis. These regulatory mechanisms need to be further investigated using molecular biology techniques. Ultimately, the effectiveness of a storage method is evaluated based on its practical application in the field. However, limited research has examined the quality of predatory insects after low-temperature storage through field trials. To address this research gap, future studies should combine laboratory observations with field experiments to provide technical parameters for the commercial production and application of \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e. With the rapid advancement of the biological control industry, research on low-temperature storage techniques will become increasingly sophisticated, helping to reduce application costs for predatory insects and enabling their use as biological control agents in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5 Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study investigated the effects of the low-temperature storage of \u003cem\u003eR\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003efuscipes\u003c/em\u003e on its hatching rate, the lifespans and survival rates of fifth-instar nymphs and adult females, egg production, the LT\u003csub\u003e50\u003c/sub\u003e of adult females, and the predation capacity of adult females on \u003cem\u003eS\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003elitura\u003c/em\u003e. The results indicate that adults are more compatible with low-temperature storage than nymphs and eggs. At the optimal storage temperature of 15\u0026deg;C, the average lifespan and LT\u003csub\u003e50\u003c/sub\u003e of adult females were 25.47 days and 36.53 days, respectively, the lifespan of fifth-instar nymphs was 23.87 days, and the hatching rate of eggs stored for 16 days was 70.67%.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical Approval\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study did not involve human or animal subjects, and thus, no ethical approval was required.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor Contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConceptualization, Z.S., H.D. and D.C.; methodology, Z.S. and H.W.; software, Z.S. and Z.Z.; validation, Z.S. and D.C.; investigation,M.F and X.W.; data curation, Z.S. and X.W.; writing\u0026mdash;original draft preparation, Z.S.; writing\u0026mdash;review and editing, Z.S., H.D. and D.C. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFundin\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eg\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research was funded by the Major Science and Technology Project of CNTC, grant numbers 110202101028(LS-03), 110202101046(LS-06), 110202201027(LS-11) and 110202101050(LS-10).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConflicts of Interest\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no conflicts of interest.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Availability Statement\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author, due to the privacy discipline.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmbrose D P, Claver M A. 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Chinese Journal of Biological Control,2020,38(3):767-773. https://doi.org/10.16409/j.cnki.2095-039x.2021.05.007\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":true,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"neotropical-entomology","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"nent","sideBox":"Learn more about [Neotropical Entomology](https://www.springer.com/journal/13744)","snPcode":"13744","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/nent/default2.aspx","title":"Neotropical Entomology","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false},"keywords":"low-temperature storage, Rhynocoris fuscipes, vitality, predatory insect, predation capacity","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6936810/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6936810/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRhynocoris fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e Fabricius (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is an important predatory insect that targets \u003cem\u003eSpodoptera litura\u003c/em\u003e Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in tobacco fields. Here, laboratory tests were conducted to identify the optimal temperature, duration, and developmental stage for the low-temperature storage of \u003cem\u003eR\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003efuscipes\u003c/em\u003e. This study examined the effects of storage temperatures (7\u0026deg;C, 9\u0026deg;C, 11\u0026deg;C, 13\u0026deg;C, and 15\u0026deg;C) and durations (5d、10d、15d、20d、25d、30d) on the hatching rate, lifespans and survival rates of fifth-instar nymphs and adult females, egg production, adult female median lethal time, and the predation capacity of adult female \u003cem\u003eR\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003efuscipes\u003c/em\u003e on \u003cem\u003eS. litura\u003c/em\u003e. The results showed that under various low-temperature conditions, storing adult \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e was more effective than storing nymphs or eggs, and the optimal storage temperature ranged from 13\u0026deg;C\u0026ndash;15\u0026deg;C. At 15\u0026deg;C, the average lifespan of adult female \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e was 25.47 days, with a median lethal time of 36.53 days. Eggs stored at 15\u0026deg;C for 16 days showed a hatching rate of eclosion rate after 12 days of storage exceeded 68%. Storage temperature and duration significantly influenced the predation capacity of adult female \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e on \u003cem\u003eS. litura\u003c/em\u003e. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the large-scale storage and transportation of \u003cem\u003eR. fuscipes\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Effects of Low-Temperature Storage on the Vitality and Predation Capacity of Rhynocoris fuscipes Fabricius (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-07-17 13:50:38","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6936810/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"","date":"2025-07-20T09:10:55+00:00","index":0,"fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-07-15T13:12:30+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-06-24T10:11:15+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Neotropical Entomology","date":"2025-06-24T03:57:15+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"neotropical-entomology","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"nent","sideBox":"Learn more about [Neotropical Entomology](https://www.springer.com/journal/13744)","snPcode":"13744","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/nent/default2.aspx","title":"Neotropical Entomology","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"5395d911-b427-4e50-8660-d218251bf993","owner":[],"postedDate":"July 17th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-12-20T12:24:02+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-07-17 13:50:38","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6936810","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6936810","identity":"rs-6936810","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}