Study on life cycle parameters of Stethorus aptus (Kapur) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): A new predator of tea Red spider mite Oligonychus coffeae (Nietner) (Tetranychidae)

Conservation of the tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) ecosystem through enhancement of natural enemies of pests

“…In this regard, the predacious ladybird beetles are widely used in biocontrol as the majority of them feed on different tea pests (Muraleedharan et al, 2001). This coccinellid beetle, Stethorus aptus (Kapur), has been recorded for the first time in the tea growing areas of the north east region (Barua et al, (2013). Barua et al, (2013) while studying the S aptus in the tea ecosystem in order to evaluate their potential against the tea red spider mite, reported that the predatory efficiency of this Coccinellidae beetle was found to increase with advancement of larval instars.…”

“…This coccinellid beetle, Stethorus aptus (Kapur), has been recorded for the first time in the tea growing areas of the north east region (Barua et al, (2013). Barua et al, (2013) while studying the S aptus in the tea ecosystem in order to evaluate their potential against the tea red spider mite, reported that the predatory efficiency of this Coccinellidae beetle was found to increase with advancement of larval instars. The fourth larval instar of the beetle was found to be more voracious than the other larval instars.…”

“…The fourth larval instar of the beetle was found to be more voracious than the other larval instars. (Barua et al, 2013). In general, it is well established that most Stethorus species are considered to be 'high density predators', since they require abundant prey (McMurtry and Johnson 1966).…”