Mass rearing ofSpalgis epius(Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), a potential predator of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Abstract

Spalgis epius (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) has been recorded as a potential predator of various species of mealybug crop pests worldwide. We describe the mass rearing of S. epius, as no information on this topic is available. Outdoor nylon tent cages of different dimensions were provided to achieve mating and oviposition as S. epius adults did not mate in the laboratory cages. Adults mated only in the tent cage (6)6 )10 m) placed over a native tree (9 m height). The presence of a tree canopy inside the cage is essential to achieve courtship and mating. Gravid females of S. epius deposited eggs on the mealybug-infested pumpkins inside the different sized nylon cages with or without a bush/tree. Spalgis epius eggs were maintained on mealybug-infested pumpkins in the laboratory and developmental stages of the predator were reared. Adults fed on various diets laid significantly higher number of eggs than those of starved individuals. Spalgis epius with a life cycle completed in 21.2 days and 55.7 larvae, could be reared on a single mealybug-infested pumpkin.

Inter- and intraspecific interactions in two mealybug predators Spalgis epius and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri in the presence and absence of prey

“…To rear S. epius and C. montrouzieri in the laboratory, their host mealybug Planococcus citri (Risso) was cultured on pumpkins ( Cucurbita maxima Duchesne) as described by Serrano & Lapointe (2002). S. epius and C. montrouzieri were reared separately on the mealybug-infested pumpkins at 28±1 °C, 65±5% RH and photoperiod 12:12 L:D in an environment chamber following the methods of Chacko et al (1978) and Venkatesha & Dinesh (2011). All experiments were conducted at 28±1 °C, 65±5% RH and photoperiod 12:12 L:D in an insect environment chamber.…”

Effect of temperature on the life history and demographic parameters ofSpalgis epius(Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), a candidate biological control agent of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

“…S. epius occurs in some regions in Southeast Asia (Dinesh and Venkatesha 2011a) and it has been considered as a potential predator among various natural enemies of mealybugs (Venkatesha and Shashikumar 2006;Dinesh, Venkatesha, and Ramakrishna 2010;Dinesh and Venkatesha 2011a,b). The morphology, development, biology, courtship behaviour, feeding potential and mass rearing of S. epius have been studied (Venkatesha, Shashikumar, and Gayathri Devi 2004;Venkatesha 2005;Dinesh et al 2010;Venkatesha and Dinesh 2011;Dinesh and Venkatesha 2012). S. epius has been considered as a major biological control agent of two important species of mealybugs Planococcus citri (Risso) and Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Dinesh and Venkatesha 2011a,b).…”

“…Dinesh and M.G. Venkatesha Venkatesha and Dinesh (2011). Laboratory bred populations of S. epius were utilised to investigate the effect of temperature on the biology of the predator.…”

Mass Rearing of Mealybug Predator, <em>Cryptolaemus montrouzieri</em> Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on two Mealybug Species, <em>Planococcus minor</em> and <em>Pseudococcus viburni</em>

“…Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) are soft-bodied insects, having piercing and sucking mouth parts. They feed on the cell sap and cause a considerable damage to a wide range of field and horticultural crops (Venkatesha and Dinesh, 2011). Control of mealybug by using conventional insecticides is difficult as the mealybugs are covered with a waxy material and its cryptic nature (Solangi et al, 2012).…”

“…Biological control of mealybugs over other approaches has several advantages such as the persistent effect of the bio-control agents, the sustainability of population reduction, and low cost. Moreover, Biological control of pest is considered as one of the fundamental tactics for pest suppression of an effective Integrated Pest Management program (Venkatesha and Dinesh, 2011).…”