Development and fecundity of the coccinellid predator, cryptolaemus montrouzieri mulsant on different types of preys [electronic resource].

Includes reference.

Development and fecundity of the predator, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant on different types of preys; namely, Planococcus citri eggs, Ephestia kuehniella eggs and Schizaphis graminium nymphs were investigated at 27± 1:2.C and 60-70% R.H. Incubation periods averaged 4.25, 4.17 and 4.11 days in association with P. citri eggs, E. kuehniella eggs and S. graminium nymphs, respectively. Highest percentage of hatchability (96%) associated with P. citri eggs and the lowest (85%) with S. graminium nymphs. Developmental periods of larval stage were 20.27, 16.70 and 20.14 days when fed on P. citri eggs. E. kuehniella eggs and S. graminium nymphs, respectively. The respective percentages of total larval mortality were 6.00, 38.00 and 42.00%. The shortest female longevity (45.30 days) associated with S. graminium nymphs, while the longest (111.50 days) was with E. kuehniella eggs. The number of eggs deposited by a female varied according to the type of prey used. The lowest egg productivity (89.50eggs/ female) was reported for females fed on S. graminium nymphs and the highest (1049.70 eggs/ female) for those fed on P. citri eggs. The corresponding figure reported for E. kuehniella eggs was (695.70 eggs/ female). The longest male longevity (109.7 days) was reported for E. kuehniella eggs, while the shortest (46.3 days) was for S. graminium nymphs. Feeding on P. citri eggs showed an intermediate period (100.1 days). The sex ratio (males: females) reported for feeding on E. kuehniella eggs and S. graminium nymphs was 1.2: 1 while on P. citri eggs, it became 1: 1.

Summary in Arabic.

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