Biology and Feeding Efficiency of Brumoides suturalis (Fabricius) on Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley

Abstract

Investigations on the biology and feeding potential of Brumoides suturalis (Fab.) (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera) were carried out at ambient room temperature of 27± 3ºC and 65 ± 5% RH during 2009-10. Results revealed that the average egg, larval and pupal period were 5.12 ± 0.07, 14.54 ± 0.12 and 4.34 ± 0.08 days, respectively. Average duration of first, second, third and fourth instar larvae was 1.98 ± 0.06, 2.52 ± 0.07, 5.04 ± 0.09 and 4.36 ± 0.10 days, respectively. Male and female beetle survived for 17.72 ± 0.40 and 34.72 ± 0.60 days, respectively. Female beetle laid 102 to 205 eggs with an average of 142.84 ± 4.72 eggs during her adult period. Entire life of the predator was completed in 40 to 58 days (av. 49.18 ± 0.87 days). Sex ratio (M:F) was 1:1.48. The beetle predated significantly maximum (177.94 ± 2.75) number of Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley nymphs followed by Coccidohystrix insolita (Green) eggs (103.38 ± 2.60), P. solenopsis adults (149.69 ± 2.53) and C. insolita crawlers (108.31 ± 1.94).