Cryptolaemus Montrouzieri Research Articles

Don't touch me! Mating not always preceded by courtship behavior in predatory coccinellids.

Knowledge of the ecology and behavior of biological control agents is essential for their effective use in biocontrol and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)programs. There is a lack of information regarding the courtship and mating traits that are crucial for successful mating in biocontrol population of coccinellids. To expand our current understanding in this area, 2 coccinellid species commonly used for the biocontrol of soft-bodied insects, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Mulsant) and Propylea quatuordecimpunctata (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), were studied. A quantitative analysis was performed to compare their courtship and mating displays. Key behavioral traits of the precopulatory, copulatory, and postcopulatory phases were investigated. The courtship and mating sequences of C. montrouzieri and P. quatuordecimpunctata were similar to each other. During the mating phase, the key displays were the opening of the elytrae and wings followed by body shaking in C. montrouzieri and leg tapping followed by body shaking in P. quatuordecimpunctata. The mating success of both species was not correlated with any courtship display, such as antennal tapping. Only in C. montrouzieri mounting attempt showed a higher frequency from the backside without affecting male mating success. This research adds baseline knowledge about the courtship and mating behavior of the biocontrol population of coccinellids, contributing to the identification of potentiallyuseful benchmarks (e.g., body shaking, leg tapping) for monitoring prolonged mass-rearing processes, thusreducing mating failures.

Functional response and predation rate of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) at different temperatures.

The ladybug, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Cocccinellidae)(Mulsant)(Coleoptera: Cocccinellidae), is a highly efficient predator in controlling mealybug populations and is considered an effective agent for controlling the papaya mealybugs (Paracoccus marginatus) (Williams & Granara de Willink) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Various criteria have been proposed for evaluating predator effectiveness, with the consumption rate of prey by individual predators, specifically the functional response, emerging as a common and crucial metric. This study evaluated the functional responses of third- and fourth-instar larvae, as well as male and female adults (<48 h old) of C. montrouzieri to adult females of P. marginatus at 3 different temperatures (22 °C, 28 °C, and 35 °C) with 70% ± 5% RH and a 12L:12D h photoperiod. Prey densities were 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 45, or 60 papaya mealybugs per predator for all tests. The response to prey density by third- and fourth-instar larvae or both sexes of adult C. montrouzieri was a type II at all temperatures. The highest attack rate and lowest handling time were estimated at 28 °C in males and 35 °C in females, respectively. The highest daily prey consumption rate occurred at 35 °C in both the immature and adult stages of C. montrouzieri. These findings support the potential of C. montrouzieri in controlling the papaya mealybug, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, given its search efficiency at high temperatures tested in this study. However, additional field investigations are needed to ascertain the control efficacy of C. montrouzieri for this mealybug in biocontrol programs.

Unleashing nature's defenders: Farmer-managed natural enemies field reservoirs (NEFRs) enhance management of the invasive papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) in coastal Kenya

The papaya mealybug (PMB), Paracoccus marginatus, infests a wide range of plant species, including economically important crops, like papaya, citrus, cassava, and avocado, leading to significant economic losses. The parasitoid, Acerophagous papayae has been shown to manage the pest and was introduced in three coastal counties of Kenya from 2021. Natural Enemies Field Reservoirs (NEFRs), a technology that serves as in-situ production of A.papayae, were established in farmers’ fields in the three counties to assess their effectiveness in controlling the papaya mealybug in Kenya. Three treatments were set up including a. ‘No prior A. papayae release + NEFR’, b. ‘Prior A. papayae release + NEFR’, and c. ‘Prior A. papayae release but no NEFR’ (control). PMB populations decreased by 49.12 % and 62.8 % in treatments a and b, respectively, but increased by 37.6 % in the control. On the other hand, the absolute count of A. papayae increased by 456 %, 190 % and 51.6 % in treatments a, b and c, the control, respectively. Consequently, the parasitism rates increased by 116.7 % and 17.8 % in treatments a, and b, respectively but declined by 10.3 % in the control. The most abundant predators out of ten recovered genera were Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (44.0 %), Tenuisvalvae notata (23.9 %) and Exochomus sp. (19.9 %). The highest abundance and diversity of predators was recorded in treatment b ‘Prior A. papayae release + NEFR’ and the least abundance and diversity in the control. This study sheds light in the critical role of NEFRs in the management of PMB and its underscored potential as an effective, low-cost, farmer managed technology is discussed.

Host Plant Diversity of Planococcus citri and Planococcus lilacinus in Horticultural Ecosystem and their Associated Natural Enemies

Mealybugs, Planococcus spp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) are economically important pests which are highly polyphagous on many horticultural plants. Surveys have been conducted to study the diversity of host plants of P. citri and P. lilacinus and their natural enemies in different horticultural ecosystems of Karnataka. The citrus mealybug, P. citri was found to feed upon on 34 host plants and predated by 23 natural enemies (11 parasitoids and 12 predators). The highest number hosts were recorded in ornamental plants (13) followed by fruit crops (12). The cacao mealybug, P. lilacinus was predominant on 10 horticultural crops and were found associated with six natural enemies (three parasitoids and three predators). The highest number hosts were recorded from fruit crops (five) followed by ornamental (four). The predators viz., Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, Jauravia pallidula, Spalgis epius were abundant and commonly found predating on Planococcus spp.

Natural enemies of Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae), with description of a new species of Leucopina Malloch (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae)

The Pink Hibiscus Mealybug (PHM), Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) is a quarantine pest in Colombia, however, there is little information on its distribution within the country and its natural enemies. Samples of PHM were collected in several locations in Colombia from different host-plant species and kept in breeding chambers to extract their predators and parasitoids. Two novel natural enemies of M. hirsutus were recorded, i.e., Allotropa cf. citri Muesebeck (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) and Leucopina nyiaybsa Gaimari &amp; Montes, sp. n. (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae) described herein. Furthermore, information on the distribution range in Colombia of the parasitoids Anagyrus kamali Moursi and Gyranusoidea indica Shafee, Alam and Agarwal (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is provided. A species of Pachyneuron (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) was found as a possible parasitoid or hyperparasitoid somewhere in this system. Currently, in Colombia, the PHM is not considered an agricultural pest and its damage is restricted to primary hosts such as Hibiscus spp., Malvaviscus arboreus (Malvaceae) and soursop Annona muricata (Annonaceae). Prochiloneurus dactylopii (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was found as a possible hyperparasitoid. However, the number of recovered hyperparasitoids was low compared to the primary parasitoids that emerged in breeding chambers, which may explain why these species do not seem to interfere in the biological control of PHM. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Leucopina nyiaybsa Gaimari &amp; Montes, sp. n. are considered important predators of PHM.

Exotic predators can sequester and use novel toxins from exotic non-coevolved prey.

Defensive chemicals of prey can be sequestered by some coevolved predators, which take advantage of prey toxins for their own defence. The increase in the number of invasive species in the Anthropocene has resulted in new interactions among non-coevolved predator and prey species. While novelty in chemical defence may provide a benefit for invasive prey against non-coevolved predators, resident predators with the right evolutionary pre-adaptations might benefit from sequestering these novel defences. Here, we chose a well-known system of invasive species to test whether non-coevolved predators can sequester and use toxins from exotic prey. Together with the invasive prickly pear plants, cochineal bugs (Dactylopius spp.) are spreading worldwide from their native range in the Americas. These insects produce carminic acid, a defensive anthraquinone that some specialized predators sequester for their own defence. Using this system, we first determined whether coccinellids that prey on cochineal bugs in the Mediterranean region tolerated, sequestered, and released carminic acid in reflex bleeding. Then, we quantified the deterrent effect of carminic acid against antagonistic ants. Our results demonstrate that the Australian coccinellid Cryptolaemus montrouzieri sequestered carminic acid, a substance absent in its coevolved prey, from exotic cochineal bugs. When attacked, the predator released this substance through reflex bleeding at concentrations that were deterrent against antagonistic ants. These findings reveal that non-coevolved predators can sequester and use novel toxins from exotic prey and highlights the surprising outcomes of novel interactions that arise from species invasions.

Are the ladybugs Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and Exochomus quadripustulatus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) candidate predators of Toumeyella parvicornis (Hemiptera: Coccidae)?

Toumeyella parvicornis is an alien pest of recent introduction in Italy that infests stone pines (Pinus pinea L.), its main host plant in Europe. Infestations are currently controlled through endotherapic treatments, but the high costs and the long-term inefficacy highlight the need for alternative control strategies applicable in natural systems as well. An analysis of the effectiveness of autochthonous and naturalized predators is the first step to achieve this goal. This work focused on two candidate predators, Exochomus quadripustulatus and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), that may potentially control T. parvicornis. The analysis was carried out under laboratory-controlled and semi-field conditions. Laboratory tests were carried out to assess: (i) the predation rate of the ladybugs over different densities of pest preimaginal stages, and (ii) the effect of the presence of heterospecific and conspecific predators on the attractiveness of prey colonies. Semi-field experimentations were carried out by wrapping infested stone pine twigs with net sleeves and applying one of three treatments: (i) Exochomus quadripustulatus, (ii) Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, and (iii) control containing only the pest population. Both the ladybugs were attracted by T. parvicornis, offered as prey. Exochomus quadripustulatus was more attracted to conspecific and heterospecific ladybugs than Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and responded to prey more quickly. The results obtained could be useful for planning further experimentations to explore the potential use of these predators in biological control programs that may be applied in infested areas. Besides the use in an urban context, where pesticide use is strongly limited, the release of natural enemies may help safeguard stone pine forests. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Larvae of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Prioritize Secretion of Protective Wax Over Daily Consumption and Growth.

In holometabolous insects, the immature or larval stage is characterized by a high rate of food consumption. The nutrients obtained from which are directed towards the maintenance of metabolism, growth, pupation, and metamorphosis. However, when resources are scarce, the lack thereof can affect the growth rate and compromise the metamorphosis and formation of adults. Do increased energy expenditures yield outcomes similar to those resulting from restricted food intake during the larval stage? We hypothesized that removing the wax layer from the larvae of the ladybird Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant, 1850 would result in increased energy expenditure, which can compromise both larval growth and adult size. We compared the development time, feeding rate, and adult size of larvae with an intact wax layer, and those with constantly removed wax layers. We found that the production of the wax layer was continuous. Unlike the waxed larvae, the larvae of C. montrouzieri extended their development time in response to energy depletion through wax removal. The total number of mealybugs consumed by waxless larvae was higher than the total number consumed by waxed larvae; however, the daily consumption of waxless larvae was lower than that of waxed larvae. Furthermore, the adults of waxless larvae were smaller than those whose larvae had intact wax layers. This suggests that the cost associated with wax layer secretion is a pivotal factor in larval growth. Removing this layer does not get compensated by increased larval feeding or extended development time.

Evaluation of potential natural enemies of hibiscus mealybug, Nipaecoccus viridis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Florida citrus

Abstract Hibiscus mealybug Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead; Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a newly established pest in Florida citrus. In its native range, hibiscus mealybug is controlled by a suite of natural enemies. However, the potential predator population for this pest in Florida is currently unknown. Identifying and promoting natural enemies that prey on hibiscus mealybug in the newly established region are key to achieving sustainable management of this pest. We evaluated commercially available predators and field-collected predators for the ability to consume juvenile life stages of hibiscus mealybug. Additionally, we evaluated an augmentative release of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Mulsant; Coleoptera: Coccinelidae) inside of a citrus under protective screen (CUPS) production system to control a hibiscus mealybug infestation. In no-choice assays, we found that the commercially available predator Cr. montrouzieri consumed all juvenile stages of hibiscus mealybug, and another, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens; Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), was able to consume eggs but showed a clear preference for nymphs. Other commercially available predators did not consume any juvenile life stage of hibiscus mealybug. Two field-collected predators consumed both nymphs and ovisacs at high rates in no-choice tests: Euborellia annulipes Lucas (Dermapter: Anisolabididae) and Ceraeochrysa sp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). Moreover, ten species of natural enemies were identified from mealybug clusters sampled from the fields among which two predators, Fragosa sp. (Diptera: Syrphidae) and Anatrachyntis badia (Hodges; Lepidoptera: Cosmopterigidae), and two parasitoids, Anagyrus dactylopii (Howard; Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and Aprostocetus sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were found in high abundance. In the augmentative release, we found a reduction in pest population after the release of Cr. montrouzieri. However, without additional resources to maintain the predator, hibiscus mealybug population increased once the beetle population died. Our results indicate that Cr. montrouzieri is an effective commercially available predator of hibiscus mealybug and that several naturally occurring predators and parasitoids prey on hibiscus mealybug in Florida citrus.

Behavioural Responses of &lt;em&gt;Cryptolaemus montrouzieri&lt;/em&gt; (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to Paracoccus marginatus (Papaya Mealybug) Related Cues in Laboratory Conditions

Purpose: Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a well-known biocontrol agent that is widely used to control soft-bodied insects including papaya mealybug. This study aimed to evaluate the behaviour of C. montrouzieri to chemical simulants associated with honeydew (HD) and crushed papaya mealybugs (CPMBs), under laboratory conditions.Research Method: The larvae and adult stages of C. montrouzieri were introduced into a Petri dish containing HD or CPMBs treated and untreated Carica papaya (Papaya) leaf discs, and the behaviour was recorded for 20 minutes using video surveillance. Searching time, walking speed, and number of turns on leaf discs were quantified. Findings: Results revealed that the searching time of C. montrouzieri, on papaya leaf discs was significantly varied with different larval instars and adults (F(4,298) = 17.21, p&lt;0.05) as well as leaf-coated substances (F(2,298) = 78.07, p&lt;0.05). When considering all larval instars of C. montrouzieri searching time on CPMBs (690.7 ± 25.3 s) was significantly higher compared to HD (524.8 ± 33.5 s) and clean leaf disc (219.6 ± 34.4 s) (F(2, 227) = 60.61, p&lt;0.05). The searching period of the first larva (L1) was significantly higher compared to adults in all treatments (p&lt;0.05). The walking speed of the fourth larva (L4) and adults of C. montrouzieri on HD and CPMBs leaf discs was significantly lower compared to that of clean leaf discs. The number of turns per unit path length was significantly higher in both HD (1.100 /cm) and CPMBs (1.129 /cm) leaf discs compared to the control (0.501 /cm) concerning larvae and adults.Originality/value: It leads to the conclusion that HD and CPMBs considerably change the searching behaviour of larvae and adults of C. montrouzieri. Further work should be focused on examining and utilizing these chemical cues for searching to enhance the efficacy of C. montrouzieri in controlling papaya mealybug.

Bioactivity of Allium sativum essential oil-based nano-emulsion against Planococcus citri and its predator Cryptolaemus montrouzieri

Botanical extracts, in particular essential oils (EOs), could be the ideal candidates for the development of biopesticides as an alternative to synthetic pesticides. However, some limitations of EOs (high flammability, volatility, degradability, poor solubility in water) prevent their use under real operational conditions. Nanotechnologies are useful tools to overcome the above-mentioned limitations of these natural substances. Furthermore, encapsulation in nano-delivery systems (nanoparticles and nano-emulsions) can improve the functional properties of EOs. In this context, this study aimed to develop a highly stable, concentrated garlic nano-emulsion (15%) and to evaluate the acute toxicity with different exposure routes towards Planococcus citri and its predator Cryptolaemus montrouzieri. First, garlic EO was used to develop a nano-emulsion (15% EO; 5% Tween 80; 80% water) using a high-pressure microfluidizer; then both the crude EO and EO in nano-emulsion were chemically investigated by Solid Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) technique. The nano-emulsion was physically characterized by dynamic light scattering analysis over time (24 h, 3 months and 1 year after preparation) and used in bioassays involving both the target and non-target organisms. Results showed that the garlic EO consisted of over 95% sulphur compounds with diallyl disulphide as the most abundant component, and the developed nano-emulsion remained stable even after 1 year, with droplets’ dimension within the nanometric range (221.4 nm). The nano-formulation was effective against the target pest after 48 h from the treatment (Direct: LC90 = 0.967%; Indirect: LC90 = 1.088%), while it had no effect on C. montrouzieri. These promising results highlight the potential of garlic-based nano-emulsion as effective and environmentally friendly insecticide for pest control.

Functional responses of larval instars of Cryptolaemus Montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to the Cochineal Scale, Dactylopius Opuntiae (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae)

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is native to Australia and commonly known as ‘cochineal destroyer’. This predator has been introduced in many countries worldwide for biological control of many scale pest species including the cochineal of cactus pear, Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae). The functional responses of larval instars of C. montrouzieri on D. opuntiae (Cockerell) adult females were evaluated under laboratory conditions at 26°C and 12:12 (L:D) h. All larval instars of the predator were first starved for 12 h, then placed individually in Petri dishes (14.5 cm in diameter) with different densities (5, 10, 15, 20, 25) of D. opuntiae females for 24 h. The logistic regression for larval instars of the predator had a negative and significant linear parameter (P1) indicating a type II functional response. Attack rates (0.010, 0.028, 0.042, and 0.052) and handling times (11.945, 6.834, 4.878, and 3.971 hours) for first to fourth instar larvae, respectively, which were estimated using the Holling’s disc equation. This study provides a better understanding of the functional response of C. montrouzieri larval instars to D. opuntiae, which may be useful for effective use of C. montrouzieri in the management of the cactus pear cochineal infestations.

Replenishment of the species composition of the bioresource collection of Entomoacariphages

Aim. Formation of the species composition of the bioresource collection "State Collection of Entomoacariphages and Microorganisms" of the Lazarev Experimental Plant Protection Station – a branch of Federal Scientific Centre for Biological Plant Protection. The collection is based on species identified in local biocenoses as well as those introduced from regions with similar climatic conditions.Material and Methods. Collection and study of the effectiveness of native, invasive, introduced entomophages, the dynamics of their acclimatization and the possibility of their introduction into laboratory culture on the territory of the Black Sea coast of Sochi. Methods of their application in plant protection systems were tested.Results. The ability of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Muls. to control the number of coccids, including Icerya purchase Maskell, has been experimentally established. Entomophages which are effective and adaptable to reproduction in laboratory conditions were selected: Dicyphus errans Wolff. and Macrolophus nubilis H.S., the aphidophage Harmonia axyridis Pall. and others.Conclusion. As a result of the study, wide polyphages of Dicyphus errans Wolff were found to be presented in the collection of the Lazarev Experimental Plant Protection Station, as well as and Macrolophus nubilis H.S., Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Muls., Leis dimidiata Fabr., Harmonia axyridis Pall., Encarsia partenopea Masi and Lysiphlebus fabarum Marsh. Acariphages are represented by Phytoseiulus persimilis Ath.‐Henr. and Amblyseius cucumeris Ond. The biological efficacy of Encarsia partenopea Masi has been evaluated in relation to Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westw. in the conditions of the protected ground of Sochi at the parasite ratio:host of 1:30; 68.6%, the best result being obtained with releases of 1:10; 79.19%. Research has begun on the development of methods for the laboratory breeding of Chilocorus renipustulatus.

Identity Matters: Multiple Herbivory Induces Less Attractive or Repellent Coffee Plant Volatile Emission to Different Natural Enemies.

Co-infestations by herbivores, a common situation found in natural settings, can distinctly affect induced plant defenses compared to single infestations. Related tritrophic interactions might be affected through the emission of changed blends of herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs). In a previous study, we observed that the infestation by red spider mite (Oligonychus ilicis) on coffee plants facilitated the infestation by white mealybug (Planococcus minor), whereas the reverse sequence of infestation did not occur. Here, we examined the involvement of the jasmonate and salicylate pathways in the plant-mediated asymmetrical facilitation between red spider mites and white mealybugs as well as the effect of multiple herbivory on attractiveness to the predatory mite Euseius concordis and the ladybug Cryptolaemus montrouzieri. Both mite and mealybug herbivory led to the accumulation of JA-Ile, JA, and cis-OPDA in plants, although the catabolic reactions of JA-Ile were specifically regulated by each herbivore. Infestation by mites or mealybugs induced the release of novel volatiles by coffee plants, which selectively attracted their respective predators. Even though the co-infestation by mites and mealybugs resulted in a stronger accumulation of JA-Ile, JA and SA than the single infestation treatments, the volatile emission was similar to that of mite-infested or mealybug-infested plants. However, multiple infestation had a negative impact on the attractiveness of HIPVs to the predators, making them less attractive to the predatory mite and a repellent to the ladybug. We discuss the potential underlying mechanisms of the susceptibility induced by mites, and the effect of multiple infestation on each predator.

The pre-oviposition period is associated with ovary maturation in Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant, 1850 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

ABSTRACT The pre-oviposition period is critical in the development of reproductive organs in ladybirds, but there is little information about the main causes of this period. The pre-oviposition period in the ladybird Cryptolaemus montrouzieri was influenced by prey consumption, suggesting that there is a nutritional aspect from food intake that must affect ovary maturation after adult emergence. We also investigated whether feeding on non-prey food affects the maturation of ovaries. We have found that newly emerged females of C. montrouzieri have no developed ovary, and when feeding on adults of the mealybug Planococcus citri and in the absence of males, 5 days are required for full ovary development and egg maturation. Females feeding only on honey did not develop ovarioles even in 7 days. The ovarioles developed in each female on each side of the ovary is around 10 on a daily basis, with no significant difference between the left and the right side each day. On the fifth day, a great number of mature eggs were found, remaining constant on the following sixth day. Our results suggest that food quality, rather than just feeding, is a fundamental step to start the physiological chain that is responsible for the ovary development.

Intraguild predation of Phenacoccus manihoti parasitoid Anagyrus lopezi by two mealybug predators, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and Plesiochrysa ramburi

Anagyrus lopezi is a specialist parasitoid was introduced to Indonesia in 2014 to control cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti. Plesiochrysa ramburi and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri are generalist predator insects associated with the mealybug. Intraguild predation is a crucial competition in an insect community. The study objective was to investigate interference of both predators on healthy mealybug (unparasitized) or parasitized mealybug by A. lopezi (mealybug which containing parasitoid larvae 1-, 3-, 8-, and 14-day old). Experiments were carried out in a non-choice test (served only one unparasitized or parasitized mealybug of a specific parasitoid age) and choice test (unparasitized and parasitized mealybug of a specific parasitoid age together) in laboratory under controlled environmental conditions. Both of predators species able to fed on both unparasitized and parasitized mealybugs of three different age (1-, 3-, and 8- day-old), but both predators discriminated against mealybug were parasitized 14-day old (hardened mummies). Interaction between parasitoid of A. lopezi and both predators showed antagonistic interaction type. We recommended A. lopezi should be released in field at the beginning of the time when the population of the mealybug is still low and could be continued with the predators release when the mealybug population is high.

Footprints of the lady beetles Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and Tenuisvalvae notata affect their foraging behavior and predation rate

AbstractThe lady beetles Tenuisvalvae notata (Mulsant) and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (both Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), are used in biological control of mealybugs in many countries, including Brazil. As individuals of these species walk on plant surfaces, they leave chemical footprints that can affect their interactions with conspecifics, as well as other coccinellid species in the same environment. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of T. notata and C. montrouzieri footprints on both their own and each other's foraging behavior and predatory potential. Arena bioassays were conducted to evaluate the effect of the footprints on conspecifics and heterospecifics. In addition, the chemical profiles of these footprints were analyzed by gas chromatography, flame ionization detection, and mass spectrometry (GC‐FID and GC–MS). For this, extracts of footprints were obtained from a glass Petri dish where 20 adults (males or females) were allowed to walk for 24 h. Behavioral bioassays showed that both species can recognize each other's footprints. Tenuisvalvae notata females avoided areas treated with footprints of heterospecific females, whereas C. montrouzieri females were arrested on areas with footprints of T. notata females. Tenuisvalvae notata adults did not change their predation rate when exposed to the footprints of heterospecifics, but second instars had a higher predation rate on areas treated with heterospecific footprints. Second instar C. montrouzieri also had an increase in predation when exposed to footprints of heterospecifics, and females captured significantly more prey when exposed to footprints of conspecifics, whereas males' predation rate decreased when exposed to footprints of both conspecifics and heterospecifics. The chemical analyses showed that the hexane extracts of footprints were composed mainly of linear hydrocarbons, saturated and non‐saturated, from C20 to C33. The composition (qualitative and quantitative) of footprint extracts is species‐ and sex‐specific. This is the first report on the effects of footprints on the behavior of these species.

Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) as a Diet Source for Mass Rearing Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Coleoptera: Coccinelidae).

Although natural enemies play an important role in most integrated pest management programs, biological control agents remain poorly adopted in food production systems primarily due to the high costs associated with their implementation. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Mulsant, 1853) is a very promising candidate for the biological control of mealybugs. However, mass rearing of this predator is critical to provide sufficient numbers so that effective control of mealybugs can be achieved. Thus, this work focuses on mass rearing of this biological control agent under controlled conditions at T = 28 ± 1°C, RH = 70 ± 5%, and 12:12-h photoperiod L:D. This experiment was based on feeding this predator three diets: a freeze-dried artificial food source, the cactus cochineal-Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell, 1929), and a combination of the two diets. The fecundity recorded in the freeze-dried artificial food, D. opuntiae, and mixed diet was 2.73, 8.79, and 8.78 larvae/female, respectively. The sex ratios (male:female) of the cochineal adults that emerged on the three diets were 1:1.35, 1:1.23, and 1:1.11, respectively, for the freeze-dried artificial food, D. opuntiae, and mixed diet. The emerged adults had an average weight of 9.2mg when fed the artificial diet, 13.8mg for the D. opuntiae diet, and 9.5mg for the mixed diet, while the life cycle duration for each diet was 50.1, 43.5, and 42.3 d, respectively. At the beginning of the C. montrouzieri rearing process with 40 adults, our results indicated that an average of 1031.1 adults can be produced using D. opuntiae as the diet in a volume of 1 m3. The D. opuntiae diet is recommended due to its overall lower costs. Additionally, this study indicates that mass-rearing of C. montrouzieri can be achieved with cheaper and more readily available materials for diets, instead of purchasing a freeze-dried artificial food source.

Banker boxes, a novel release method, improve the biological control of Planococcus citri by Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and Leptomastix dactylopii in pomegranate

A study was conducted to determine the efficacy of a predator, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Muls.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and a parasitoid, Leptomastix dactylopii (How.) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), in biological control of citrus mealybug Planococcus citri Risso (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), a major pest in pomegranate orchards in Antalya. When the pests were observed in 2013, 10 predators and 20 parasitoids were concurrently released per tree in plots using the standard procedures. In 2014 and 2015, despite the partial control (74%) in 2013, a different method release method was used; a modified banker box. In this method, beneficial insects were established in cardboard boxes that included potato tubers infested with prey pest before release. These boxes were then placed in the orchard before pest seen. The total number of beneficials in three boxes was equal to the number of beneficials released in 2013. The banker box method gave promising results, with control of nearly 90% in both 2014 and 2015. These findings demonstrated that the banker box application increased the effectiveness of the release of beneficials and it suggested that this method should be considered for biological control of citrus mealybug in pomegranate.

Consumption of Citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri by two predators, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant and Chrysoperla carnea (Stephen), under controlled conditions

Consumption of Citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri by two predators, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant and Chrysoperla carnea (Stephen), under controlled conditions