Influence of artificial diet supplements on developmental features of Chrysoperla camea stephens [electronic resource].

Includes references.

The effect of an artificial diet with modulation of a supplement on the development and survival rate of Chrysoperla camea Stephens (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) larvae was studied. The composition of the diet derived from that of Specty (2002) for Harmonia axyridis ladybeetle, with pork liver as main protein source. The supplement consisted of Ephestia kuehniella abdomens from mass ranged adults after their ovipositional period was over. Three artificial diets were tested: basic diet without E. kuehniella abdomens, basic diet with either 1.25% or 2.5% E. kuehniella abdomens. The control batch was fed on E. kllelllJiella eggs. The results showed that best developmental parameters were obtained in the control followed by those of basic diet + 2.5% of E. kuehniella. This kind of diet supplemented with E. kuehbniella abdomens could allow savings on Ch. camea mass production expenses. As far as possible the use of such a diet was estimated at the moment 1O times cheaper than regular recommended rearing diet of E. kuehlliella eggs. Further studies are required to decide which E. kllehlliella abdomen quantity would be optimum as a supplemcnt in the diet.

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