Abstract: In order to investigate the predation potential of Picromerus lewisi (Fallou) on Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), the ability of P. lewisi adults to predate on the 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th instar larvae of S. frugiperda was studied under laboratory conditions. The results showed that the maximum daily predation amounts of female adults on the 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th instar larvae were 61.013, 30.051 and 10.251, respectively. The attacking efficiencies were 1.093, 1.441 and 0.964, respectively. The treatment times were 0.384, 0.792 and 2.352 h, respectively. The maximum daily preys consumed by the male adults on the 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th instar larvae were 58.824, 24.522 and 9.302, respectively. The attacking efficiencies were 0.996, 1.365 and 1.2107, respectively. The treatment times were 0.408, 0.984 and 3.072 h, respectively. The predation of P. lewisi adults on the 3^rd instar larvae of S. frugiperda was the largest, and the predator also preferred the 4^th and 5^th instar larvae. The attacking efficiencies of both male and female adults against the 4^th instar larvae were the highest. The results indicate that P. lewisi has good control potential on S. frugiperda and can be used for the prevention and control of S. frugiperda.

Key words: Picromerus lewisi, Spodoptera frugiperda, predatory, biological control