Abstract
The life tables of the aphid predators Coccinella septempunctata L., Ceratomegilla undecimnotata (Schneider) and Pro- pylea quatuordecimpunctata (L.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), fed on Aphis fabae Scopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae), were constructed at constant conditions (25 ± 1°C, 65 ± 2% RH; 16L : 8D). The average total fecundities of C. septempunctata, C. undecimnotata and P. quatuordecimpunctata were 1996.8, 1160.5, and 724.6 eggs / female, and the average longevities were 94.9, 88.3, and 68.9 days, respectively. The net reproductive rates (Ro) were 1004.1, 544.3, and 375.1 females/female, and the intrinsic rates of increase (rm) 0.118, 0.142 and 0.166 females/female/day, respectively.
Highlights
Coccinellid aphid predators have been studied worldwide for integration with biological control systems
The predators were originally collected in summer 2006 from the field (C. septempunctata and C. undecimnotata from Copais plain preying on Myzus persicae infesting Nicotiana tabacum and Propylea quatuordecimpunctata from Arta plain preying on Rhopalosiphum maydis infesting Zea mays)
All predators were reared for two generations in large cylindrical Plexiglas cages (50 cm length × 30 cm diameter) containing an abundance of prey of mixed instars (Aphis fabae reared on Vicia faba) under the following controlled conditions: 25 ± 1°C; 65 ± 2% RH; 16L : 8D
Summary
Coccinellid aphid predators have been studied worldwide for integration with biological control systems. The intrinsic rate of increase, rm, is of great importance among other parameters for selecting candidate species as biocontrol agents. The intrinsic rate of population increase of the predator should be equal to, or greater than, that of its prey.
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