High arthropod pest populations are often difficult to control solely by natural enemies. Thus, insecticides are also incorporated into crop production to reduce pest populations below their economic threshold levels, thereby preventing crop damage. These insecticides can cause adverse effects on non–target beneficial arthropods, such as natural enemies of pests like Orius insidiosus Say, a significant predator of soft-bodied arthropods. We investigated the effects of newer insecticides on eggs and second instars of O. insidiosus. The insecticides tested were novaluron, spinosad, lambda-cyhalothrin, horticultural oil, and insect-killing soap. After exposing eggs and second instars to each treatment, we evaluated their developmental time and survival until they emerged as adults. When compared with the water-treated control, there was considerable variation in the response of O. insidiosus eggs and nymphs to tested insecticides. We discussed the results.
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