Orius tantallus is a small predatory bug that feeds on thrips, mites, eggs and small larvae of moths and other small, soft-bodied insects. This bug can control the growth and multiplication of melon thrips on watermelon more effectively than chemical insecticides. It is also being evaluated against the Asian corn borer. The Orius can be reared and bred using other food sources such as pollen and plant sap of the spiny amaranth, on the flowers (inflorescence) of sugarcane and sorghum, as well as on the tassel and silk of corn.