Predating Efficiency of Cheilomenes sexmaculata F. on Bean Aphid Aphis Craccivora Koch

Abstract

Cheilomenes sexmaculata F. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is an effective biological control agent against aphids. This study observed its feeding efficiency in the grub stages, and adult male and female during March and April on aphid Aphis craccivora Koch in broad bean Vicia faba. The first to fourth instar grubs were observed in April to predate on aphids to an extent of 13.2 ± 0.18, 42.2 ± 1.98, 61.8 ± 1.31 and 164.2 ± 4.94 aphids, respectively). Male and female adults fed on 1011.4 ± 0.25 and 1201.2 ± 0.88 aphids, respectively.