Prey Suitability ofGalerucella calmariensisL. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) andMyzus lythri(Schrank) (Homoptera: Aphididae) for Development of Three Predatory Species

Abstract

Abstract The suitability of Myzus lythri (Schrank) (Homoptera: Aphididae) and Galerucella calmariensis L. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), herbivores of purple loosestrife, for preimaginal development and survival of Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) was quantified to provide a more complete understanding of predator–prey relationships in the purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.) system. Individual first- or second-instar predators were assigned to one of four diets: (1) a control diet, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Homoptera: Aphididae) or a combination of A. pisum and Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs; (2) M. lythri nymphs and adults; (3) G. calmariensis eggs; or (4) G. calmariensis larvae. Preimaginal survival of C. carnea was similar for all diets and ranged from 61 to 76% on G. calmariensis larvae, M. lythri, and the control diet. Preimag...