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<p>Predatory insects play a crucial role in regulating agricultural pests, with their efficiency often influenced by sexual dimorphism in morphology, behaviour, and predation strategies. <i>Chelisoches annulatus</i> is a species of earwig whose predatory capacity remains unknown, with little to no empirical data documenting its potential as a biological control agent. Understanding sex-based differences in predatory efficiency is critical for optimising its deployment in integrated pest management programs. This study investigates the morphometric differences between male and female <i>C. annulatus</i> and their impact on predation efficiency against <i>Tirathaba rufivena</i> larvae, a major pest in Malaysian oil palm plantations. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed pronounced sexual dimorphism in mandibular structures, with females possessing significantly longer and more developed incisive edges (61.28–62.19&#xa0;μm) than males (34.08–35.63&#xa0;μm). Sensory analysis of the antennal flagellum indicated a higher density of sensilla in females (58) compared to males (37), suggesting superior prey detection capabilities. These morphological and sensory adaptations contribute to enhanced predatory efficiency in females. Predation trials confirmed these findings, with females exhibiting significantly higher attack rates (1.36) than males (1.12) and shorter handling times (0.08 and 0.05). Across all larval instars, females consistently outperformed males, consuming an average of 8.80 first-instar larvae compared to 7.20 by males. Predation declined as larval instars progressed, with the lowest rates observed in the fourth instar. These results underscore the superior predatory efficiency of female <i>C. annulatus</i>, driven by distinct morphological and sensory traits. The findings provide strong evidence for the incorporation of <i>C. annulatus</i> into IPM programs targeting <i>T. rufivena</i>, offering a sustainable and ecologically sound strategy for pest suppression in oil palm ecosystems.</p>

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Sexual dimorphism in predatory efficiency of earwig Chelisoches annulatus, (Dermaptera: Chelisochidae) on bunch moth Tirathaba rufivena (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月18日

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  • Lukman Idowu Gambari,
  • Patrick Tobechukwu Duru,
  • G. Veera Singham,
  • Hasber Salim

摘要

Predatory insects play a crucial role in regulating agricultural pests, with their efficiency often influenced by sexual dimorphism in morphology, behaviour, and predation strategies. Chelisoches annulatus is a species of earwig whose predatory capacity remains unknown, with little to no empirical data documenting its potential as a biological control agent. Understanding sex-based differences in predatory efficiency is critical for optimising its deployment in integrated pest management programs. This study investigates the morphometric differences between male and female C. annulatus and their impact on predation efficiency against Tirathaba rufivena larvae, a major pest in Malaysian oil palm plantations. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed pronounced sexual dimorphism in mandibular structures, with females possessing significantly longer and more developed incisive edges (61.28–62.19 μm) than males (34.08–35.63 μm). Sensory analysis of the antennal flagellum indicated a higher density of sensilla in females (58) compared to males (37), suggesting superior prey detection capabilities. These morphological and sensory adaptations contribute to enhanced predatory efficiency in females. Predation trials confirmed these findings, with females exhibiting significantly higher attack rates (1.36) than males (1.12) and shorter handling times (0.08 and 0.05). Across all larval instars, females consistently outperformed males, consuming an average of 8.80 first-instar larvae compared to 7.20 by males. Predation declined as larval instars progressed, with the lowest rates observed in the fourth instar. These results underscore the superior predatory efficiency of female C. annulatus, driven by distinct morphological and sensory traits. The findings provide strong evidence for the incorporation of C. annulatus into IPM programs targeting T. rufivena, offering a sustainable and ecologically sound strategy for pest suppression in oil palm ecosystems.