Biology of Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Petersen) on mealy bugs and aphids

Abstract

Studies on biology of Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi on mealy bugs and aphids indicated that the incubation period of C. zastrowi sillemi was significantly minimum to the extent of 3.94 days on Aphis gossypii followed by 4.19 days (Phenococcus solenopsis) and 4.28 days (Maconellicoccus hirsutus). The significantly maximum egg hatching of C. zastrowi sillemi (89.00 per cent) was observed on A. gossypii followed by P. solenopsis (86.00 per cent) and M. hirsutus (79.00 per cent). The growth index and the larval duration of C. zastrowi sillemi were 7.21, 5.14; 4. 83, 11.36; 12.87, 12.61 days on second instar nymphs of A. gossypii, P. solenopsis and M. hirsutus respectively. The significantly lowest pupal duration to the extent of 7.41 days was observed when grown on P. solenopsis followed by 7.42 days on A. gossypii and 7.95 days on M. hirsutus. Significantly the shortest life -cycle duration to the extent of 50.97 and 54.93 days by male and female adult of C. zastrowi sillemi was observed on M. hirsutus. The pre-oviposition period (4.50 days) was lowest on A. gossypii while oviposition period (23.40 days) of C. zastrowi sillemi was highest on A. gossypii.