Laboratory study of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuropt., Chrysopidae) predation on Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hom., Aleyrodidae)

Abstract

Abstract: Larvae of the green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens), were raised on immature stages of the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood). Whitefly of all stages were consumed, but none of the lacewings survived to pupation. First instar lacewings fed on whitefly eggs survived longest. Eggs and first larval instar whitefly were eaten in the greatest quantities. In a second experiment, lacewing first instar larvae were fed on whitefly eggs plus a food supplement. They did not survive longer than those fed on whitefly eggs alone. It is concluded that although they would not survive to produce a stable population in the greenhouse, inundative releases of lacewing larvae might be effective as a supplementary control method.