Laboratory Study Of Some Biological Potentialities Of Pullus Mediterraneus (Col., Coccinelidae)

Abstract

Some biological potentialities of Pullus mediterranem F. (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) were studied under controlled conditions. Eggs were laid under carapaces of Saissetia oleae (bdHomoptera, Coccidae), which is an important pest of olive trees. The eclosion of eggs occurred after more than 36 days at 7‡C, but no more than 1, 7 days at 30‡C. The eclosion rate of eggs exceeded 80% between 20 and 30‡C. In homogeneous juvenile population fed with aphids, 4 instars were distinguished on the basis of the width of the cephalic capsule. Mortality rate was low at all temperature tested. It did not exceed 25% at 20‡C and decreased considerably at 30‡C when P. mediterraneus fed on aphids.