Abstract: The predation potential of Picromerus lewisi (Fallou) to Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) was evaluated using P. lewisi nymph and 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th instar larvae of S. frugiperda under indoor conditions. The results showed that the maximum daily predation amount of P. lewisi 3^rd nymph to the 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th instar larvae of S. frugiperda was 55.556, 8.019 and 5.666, respectively. The instantaneous attacking rates were 0.819, 1.826 and 1.503, respectively. The handling time was 0.018, 0.125 and 0.177 day, respectively. The maximum daily predation amount of P. lewisi 4^th nymph to the 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th instar larvae of S. frugiperda was 60.753, 19.924 and 10.325, respectively. The instantaneous attacking rates were 0.993, 1.664 and 0.968, respectively. The handling time was 0.017, 0.050 and 0.968, respectively. The maximum daily predation amount of P. lewisi 5^th nymph to the 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th instar larva of S. frugiperda was 65.789, 23.635 and 12.331, respectively. The instantaneous attacking rates were 1.021, 1.307 and 0.863, respectively. The handling time was 0.015, 0.042 and 0.081, respectively. P. lewisi 3^rd-5^th nymph can prey on 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th instar larvae of S. frugiperda, with predation amount to the 3^rd instars the largest, preference more for the 4^th and 5^th instars, and attacking efficiency to the 4^th instars the highest. The results indicate that P. lewisi has good control effect on S. frugiperda and can be used for the prevention and control of this pest.

Key words: Picromerus lewisi, S. frugiperda, predatory, evaluation