Predation of Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Eggs and Larvae by Chrysoperla rufilabris (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) Larvae in the Laboratory and Field Cages

Abstract

Studies of predation by Chrysoperla rufilabris larvae on Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata, were conducted to determine if this predator could effectively prey on eggs and young larvae of this important pest. In laboratory experiments in which CPB eggs and young larvae were exposed to 5 or 10 C. rufilabris larvae/cage we obtained 99.7% and 97.7% population reduction, respectively. In experiments in which CPB larvae were exposed to 10 or 50 C. rufilabris larvae/cage we obtained 79.9% and 97.3% population reduction, respectively. In field cage experiments, 84% population reduction was obtained with release rates of 80,940 C. rufilabris larvae per hectare. These data indicate that C. rufilabris larvae might be useful in periodic release programs against this important agricultural pest. However, because of the high release rates required in the field, a significant reduction in the cost of mass production is needed to make C. rufilabris a cost effective agent for control of this pest.