Preliminary study on the survival and hatching rates of water bugs (Lethocerus indicus) under experimental conditions

Abstract

    The study introduces the initial model of raising Lethocerus indicus water bug in laboratory scale in the Southern region of Viet Nam, due to the current loss of its current natural habitat. A glass tank measuring (200 × 50 × 60) cm was used to raise the water bugs and the data of survival and hatching rates were recorded. Results have shown that with a stocking density of 20 individuals/tank/batch, the survival rate of water bugs from eggs to adults was (8.98-10.73) % and the nutritional quality of water bug essential oil included 0.73 % protein and 0.12 % total fat. The yellow – brown egg nests had a higher hatching rate compared to the white – brown and purple – brown nests (> 90 %). Findings from the present study provides essential insights to the breeding and conservation of L. indicus water bugs listed in the Vietnam’s Red Data Book.