Feeding Potential of Chzysoperla carnea (Stephens) on Different Stages of Planococcus citzi (Risso) under Laboratory Conditions

Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) is a world wide predator used as a biological control agent against various insect species. Feeding potential of C. carnea was experimented under laboratory conditions when fed on the citrus mealybug Planococcus citri (Risso) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Results showed that when C. carnea 1st larval instar was fed on 1st and 2nd nymphal instars of P. citri, it consumed about 476.23 nymphs/larva within the total larval duration of 16.4 days. While by feeding the 2nd larval instar of C. carnea on different P. citri nymphal instars (1st, 2nd and 3rd instars), it consumed only about 194.86 nymphs/larva. As for the 3rd larval instar of C. carnea when fed on P. citri adults, it consumed about 22.37 adults/larva. Durations of prepupal + pupal, ovipositional periods, fecundity and sex ratios were estimated. Insignificant differences were found in longevity of males and females, resulted from 1st, 2nd and 3rd instars on P. citri from feeding. Highest fecundity (429.4 eggs/female) resulted when the predator was fed on P. citri from 3rd instars and the lowest (263.2 eggs/female) when it was fed on P. citri from 1st instars. No significant difference in egg hatchability% among females resulted from the predator fed on P. citri from 2rd and 3rd instars, compared to the control.