Abstract
Potential fecundity (PF), in the case of insects, is the total number of oocytes (or ovarioles) present in the ovaries before oviposition. It is the most reliable variable of the reproductive potential of a species. Dactylopius coccus, from which the natural dye carminic acid is obtained, is highly important for industry processes. Because information on the potential fecundity of D. coccus is lacking, this study was conducted to quantify this variable given that this information could be useful in commercial rearing of the species. Real fecundity (RF) was determined in mature adult females after the oviposition period had ended. These females were dissected to determine the number of remaining individuals in the ovaries (RIO), and lastly the potential fecundity (PF) was calculated. RF was, on average, 147.13 individuals per female, while RIO had an average value of 184.48 individuals per female. Moreover, potential fecundity calculated in D. coccus had an average value of 331.62 oocytes, or ovarioles, per female, indicating that 55.89% of potential fecundity remains as RIO. This large loss of potential nymphs remaining in the ovaries at the end of oviposition makes it necessary to adjust rearing conditions to minimize losses.
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