Cryptolaemus Montrouzieri Research Articles

Prey range of the predatory ladybird Cryptolaemus montrouzieri

The prey range of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri was studied in the laboratory to investigate whether the mealybug destroyer can contribute to the suppression of other pest insects besides mealybugs and to assess its potential impact on non-mealybug populations as part of an environmental risk assessment for its use in biological control. Prey tested in these experiments were: tobacco aphid Myzus persicae nicotianae (Sulzer)(Hemiptera: Aphididae), pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris)(Hemiptera: Aphididae), tobacco whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)(Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), southern green stinkbug Nezara viridula (L.)(Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) eggs, western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)(Thysanoptera: Thripidae), two-spotted ladybird Adalia bipunctata (L.)(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) eggs and eggs of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Larval survival was high to moderate when C. montrouzieri was provided with hemipteran prey and poor to zero when the ladybirds were provided with non-hemipteran prey. Females reared on M. persicae and A. pisum produced similar numbers of eggs as their counterparts fed the citrus mealybug Planococcus citri (Risso)(Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), but fecundity was significantly lower when the ladybirds were reared on B. tabaci nymphs or on A. bipunctata eggs. Prey species that were found to be less suitable for immature development of C. montrouzieri could still be an adequate food source for reproduction and survival of adult ladybirds. For example, only 8 % of the predator larvae reached the adult stage when provided with A. bipunctata eggs, but females that had developed on eggs of the Mediterranean flour moth Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and that were supplied with A. bipunctata eggs from adult emergence on, were only 35 % less fecund than females provided with mealybugs in their adult life. The results are discussed in relation to the development of a suitable methodology for prey/host range testing in the framework of an environmental risk assessment for arthropod natural enemies.

Effects of mating patterns on reproductive performance and offspring fitness in Cryptolaemus montrouzieri

AbstractWe examined the female mating choice of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) when exposed to a male with which she had mated before vs. a novel male which she never encountered. After first mating, most females chose to remate with the same male and showed a shorter mating latency period to copulation with the familiar male as compared to a new male. Then, we allowed a female to mate once, 5× with the same, or 5× with different males to evaluate how different mating patterns influence the females’ reproductive performance and offspring fitness. Mating 5× with the same male or different males improved female egg production, but had no effect on hatching rate or offspring fitness. Our findings suggest that female C. montrouzieri are able to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar males and prefer to mate with the former. Further, multiple mating appears to offer material benefits to female C. montrouzieri specifically by increasing fecundity.

Effects of three mealybug species on the development, survivorship and reproduction of the predatory lady beetle Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant

The lady beetle Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is an important predator of mealybugs. The development, survivorship, longevity and reproduction of C. montrouzieri feeding on three different mealybug species [Dysmicoccus neobrevipes Beardsley, Ferrisia virgata Cockerell and Planococcus minor (Maskell)] were investigated in the laboratory at 26 ± 1°C, 75-–90% RH and 14:10 (L:D) h photoperiod. Results indicated that, when feeding on different mealybugs, no significant differences were observed between developmental periods and survivorship of C. montrouzieri (from egg to adult), but differences were recorded between the sex ratios, preovipositional periods, adult longevities and reproduction of the differently treated lady beetle populations. The highest sex ratio (0.56), the longest preovipositional period (6.6 days) and adult longevity (84.8 days for females and 93.9 days for males), and the maximum fecundity (659.0 eggs/female) of C. montrouzieri were recorded when feeding on F. virgata. Moreover, C. montrouzieri had a high net reproductive rate (313.66), intrinsic rate of increase (0.0816) and finite rate of increase (1.085) when feeding on F. virgata. Results indicated that the population growth of C. montrouzieri may increase faster when feeding on F. virgata than feeding on either of the other two mealybugs.

Nontarget effects of aerial mosquito adulticiding with water-based unsynergized pyrethroids on honey bees and other beneficial insects in an agricultural ecosystem of north Greece.

We assessed the nontarget effects of ultra-low-volume (ULV) aerial adulticiding with two new water-based, unsynergized pyrethroid formulations, Aqua-K-Othrine (FFAST antievaporant technology, 2% deltamethrin) and Pesguard S102 (10% d-phenothrin). A helicopter with GPS navigation technology was used. One application rate was tested per formulation that corresponded to 1.00 g (AI)/ha of deltamethrin and 7.50 g (AI)/ha of d-phenothrin. Three beneficial nontarget organisms were used: honey bees (domesticated hives), family Apidae (Apis mellifera L.); mealybug destroyers, family Coccinellidae (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant); and green lacewings, family Chrysopidae (Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens)). No significant nontarget mortalities were observed. No bees exhibited signs of sublethal exposure to insecticides. Beehives exposed to the insecticidal applications remained healthy and productive, performed as well as the control hives and increased in weight (25-30%), in adult bee population (14-18%), and in brood population (15-19%).

Effects of Transgenic Cry1Ac + CpTI Cotton on Non-Target Mealybug Pest Ferrisia virgata and Its Predator Cryptolaemus montrouzieri

Recently, several invasive mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) have rapidly spread to Asia and have become a serious threat to the production of cotton including transgenic cotton. Thus far, studies have mainly focused on the effects of mealybugs on non-transgenic cotton, without fully considering their effects on transgenic cotton and trophic interactions. Therefore, investigating the potential effects of mealybugs on transgenic cotton and their key natural enemies is vitally important. A first study on the effects of transgenic cotton on a non-target mealybug, Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) was performed by comparing its development, survival and body weight on transgenic cotton leaves expressing Cry1Ac (Bt toxin) + CpTI (Cowpea Trypsin Inhibitor) with those on its near-isogenic non-transgenic line. Furthermore, the development, survival, body weight, fecundity, adult longevity and feeding preference of the mealybug predator Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) was assessed when fed F. virgata maintained on transgenic cotton. In order to investigate potential transfer of Cry1Ac and CpTI proteins via the food chain, protein levels in cotton leaves, mealybugs and ladybirds were quantified. Experimental results showed that F. virgata could infest this bivalent transgenic cotton. No significant differences were observed in the physiological parameters of the predator C. montrouzieri offered F. virgata reared on transgenic cotton or its near-isogenic line. Cry1Ac and CpTI proteins were detected in transgenic cotton leaves, but no detectable levels of both proteins were present in the mealybug or its predator when reared on transgenic cotton leaves. Our bioassays indicated that transgenic cotton poses a negligible risk to the predatory coccinellid C. montrouzieri via its prey, the mealybug F. virgata.

Dispersal potential of native and exotic predatory ladybirds as measured by a computer-monitored flight mill

The performance of three species of predatory ladybirds was compared in a flight mill and the effect of diet on their flight parameters was tested. The invasive ladybird Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) outperformed Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Adalia bipunctata (L.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in terms of flight distance, duration and velocity. Harmonia axyridis flew at least two times further, needed three times less breaks and flew two times faster than C. montrouzieri and A. bipunctata fed the same diet. Ladybirds reared on eggs of Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) performed better than their counterparts reared on natural prey (aphids for H. axyridis and A. bipunctata, mealybugs for C. montrouzieri). The findings of this study indicate that comparative flight studies can be useful to identify candidate biocontrol agents with pronounced dispersal abilities and thus can yield significant evidence to be used in an environmental risk assessment. However, it also demonstrates that variability related to mass rearing conditions should not be ignored when standardizing a risk assessment procedure for candidate biocontrol agents.

SURVEY OF SCALE INSECTS AND MEALYBUGS INFESTING SOME AVOCADO CULTIVARS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED NATURAL ENEMIES IN EGYPT

The present work was conducted for one year (January - December, 2013) on six avocado cultivars cultivated in new reclaimed lands at Borg El Arab (Alexandria Governorate), El Bostan (Beheira Governorate), El Sadat (Menofiya Governorate) and Sarapium (Ismailiya Governorate). The study was conducted to survey the scale insect and mealybug species and their associated natural enemies as well as the degree of infestation on avocado trees. The obtained results revealed eight species of scale insects and Mealybugs. Two coccid species [Coccus hesperidum L. and Pulvinaria psidii (Mask.)], Four diaspidid species [Hemiberlesia lataniae (Sign.), Aulacaspis tubercularis (Newst)., Aonidiella aurantii (Mask.) and Aspidiotus nerii Bouche] and Two Pseudococcid species [Pseudococcus longispinus (Targ.-Tozz.) and Ferrisia virgata (Ckll.)]. Associated parasitoids were Coccophagus scutellaris on C. hesperidum, Aphytis lepidosaphes, Habrolepis aspidioti and Marietta leopardina on H. lataniae, Encarsia citrina and Habrolepis diaspidi on A. tubercularis and Anagyrus spp. on P. longispinus. Also, associated predators were Rodalia cardinalis on C. hesperidum and two coccinellid predators (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and Scymnus syriacus) on P. longispinus. H. lataniae was the most abundant (56.8%) followed by F. virgata (42.5%) , A. tubercularis (39.8%) , P. longispinus (31.7 % ), C. hesperidum (26.6%), P. psidii (15%), A. aurantii (15%) and A. nerii (14.3%). Hass cultivar proved the highest infestation rate in the four localities followed by Boothy and Waldim cultivars. Fuerte, Gwen and Lula cultivars had the lowest infestation rate.

Study of inheritance of feeding potential in natural populations of predatory coccinellid Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant using isofemale strains

The ability to feed on the prey is of great concern for the predatory insects, especially with regard to predatory coccinellid, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant, which is mass reared and released into the field in large numbers to control the target pests. The variability associated with feeding potential is partly influenced by the genetic background of the insects and partly due to the environment, but the genetic basis of this trait is not yet fully understood in C. montrouzieri. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic basis of variation and heritability of this quantitative trait in natural populations of C. montrouzieri through isofemale heritability and parent-offspring regression. The regression analyses indicated that there was a significant linear relationship between progeny and their mothers for feeding potential.

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri as a predator of the striped mealybug, Ferrisia virgata, reared on two hosts

AbstractThe striped mealybug, Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is a cosmopolitan pest of a variety of agricultural crops including cotton. To investigate the biological control potential of the predatory ladybird Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) against this pest, we evaluated its developmental and reproductive fitness when feeding on F. virgata reared on pumpkin fruits or on cotton leaves and compared this to a diet of Planococcus citri Risso (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) reared on pumpkin fruits. F. virgata and P. citri reared on pumpkins were equally suitable prey for the pre‐imaginal stages of C. montrouzieri. Duration of total immature development was 1 day longer in C. montrouzieri offered F. virgata reared on cotton as compared with F. virgata or P. citri reared on pumpkin, whereas no significant difference was observed in survival rates. Diet significantly influenced the reproductive fitness of C. montrouzieri. Females offered P. citri reared on pumpkin had significantly shorter pre‐oviposition periods and higher fecundity and fertility than those given F. virgata reared on pumpkin or cotton leaves. F. virgata grown on cotton leaves supported the reproduction of C. montrouzieri better than F. virgata reared on pumpkin. Our study established that C. montrouzieri can successfully complete its development and reproduction when fed exclusively on F. virgata and indicates its potential as a biological control agent of this emerging cotton pest.

Compatibility of Biological Control Agents and Agrochemicals to Entomopathogenic Nematodes,Steinernema yirgalemense and Heterorhabditis zealandica

The compatibility of two endemic entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) with biological control agents and agro-chemicals, likely to be used in an integrated pest management programme for citrus in South Africa was investigated. This is the first report on the possible negative effect of EPNs against Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, a commercially produced biocontrol predatory insect, used against mealybugs. Bioassays were conducted to determine the susceptibility of the mealybug predatory coccinellid beetle, C. montrouzieri, to both nematode species. Results showed the beetle larvae to be highly susceptible to a concentration of 80 IJ/insect of H. zealandica and S. yirgalemense, obtaining 80 % and 92 % mortality, respectively. Adult beetles were found to be twice as susceptible to S. yirgalemense with 64 % mortality, as to H. zealandica with 30 % mortality recorded. Tolerance of both species of infective juveniles to aqueous solutions of Cyperfos 500 EC®, Cryptogran™, Helicovir™, Nu-Film-P® and Zeba®, for infectivity and survival was evaluated. Heterorhabditis zealandica proved to be highly compatible to all products tested, with no significant increase in nematode mortality. The formulations also did not affect the ability of H. zealandica to infect Tenebrio molitor, after exposure to products over a 24-h period. Significant increase in mortality of S. yirgalemense was recorded after 12 hours of exposure to Nu-Film-P® and Cyperfos 500 EC®, and after 6 hours of exposure to Nu-Film-P®. However, results for S. yirgalemense infectivity showed no decrease in the ability of the nematodes to infect insect hosts. Results indicated that nematodes should possibly be applied before the release of C. montrouzieri in citrus orchards.

Changes in dominance of dipteran families on Coral Sea cays over ten years during a period of substantial vegetation change

The habitat on the Coringa-Herald group of coral cays within the northern Coral Sea underwent profound change after about 2000 because of extensive dieback of the dominant forest trees. This work summarises surveys on these cays in 1995, 1996, 1997 and 2007, in order to understand the effect on the native insect fauna of the introduced biological control agent, the non-specific predatory ladybird beetle Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), that was liberated to control scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccidae) whose infestation was responsible for the dieback of the forest trees. This paper documents the families of Diptera (flies) collected on the surveys and it records changes in presence and abundance of Chloropidae, Phoridae, Sarcophagidae, Canacidae, Lonchaeidae and Chironomidae sampled in pitfall traps and yellow pans. Despite some differences in collecting methods and seasons between surveys, there is evidence of substantial changes in the presence and relative abundance of these families. The decline of several families on Coringa Cay and on North East Herald Cay between 1995/96 and 2007 could be the result of a trophic cascade of species loss following tree dieback. One of the most conspicuous changes was that Chloropidae increased on North East Herald Cay between 1997 and 2007 following increases in populations of scale insects, but chloropids are not thought to have had a direct role in the control of scale insects.

Age, body size and sex-related feeding response of the predatory coccinellid Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of age, body size and sex on feeding rate of the predatory coccinellid Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). The body size of the adult C. montrouzieri did not influence the feeding rate in either sex and the large body size was more common in both sexes. A significant increase in feeding (4.64 mealybugs/ day) and excretion (47.91 excreta deposits/ day) was observed in females compared with males (2.47 mealybgs/ day and 25.78 excreta deposits/ day, respectively) under mated conditions. The feeding rate throughout adulthood showed an inverse trend with age in both sexes and the curvilinear relationship explained much of the variability in the feeding response in relation to age. The feeding differences in relation to age, body size as well as sex of adult C. montrouzieri are discussed in detail.

Evaluation of residual toxicity of some insecticides against grubs and adults of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant

Evaluation of residual toxicity of some insecticides against grubs and adults of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant

Influence of cGMP on Feeding Potential of Predatory Coccinellid, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant and Isolation of Partial foraging Gene

The cyclic guanomonophosphate (cGMP) dependent protein kinase (PKG) plays an important role in the food related behaviours of several insect species. Here we report the influence of cGMP dependent PKG on prey consumption of adult predatory coccinellid, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). The oral cGMP treatment (which increases PKG activity) enhanced the feeding potential of C. montrouzieri. The good foragers responded more positively to the cGMP treatment compared to the poor foragers. The cGMP levels estimated through ELISA were significantly (P < 0.001) high in the digestive tissues of unfed as well as cGMP treated C. montrouzieri compared to normal fed beetles. This finding suggests that cGMP is involved in the higher feeding rates of C. montrouzieri and the partial foraging gene (~455 bp) which encodes the cGMP dependent PKG was isolated from genomic DNA of C. montrouzieri using gene specific primers.

Effect of Potassium Bicarbonate (MilStop®) and Insecticides on the Citrus Mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso), and the Natural Enemies Leptomastix dactylopii (Howard) and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Mulsant)

Both laboratory and greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine if the fungicide, MilStop® (BioWorks, Victor, NY), which contains the active ingredient, potassium bicarbonate, has direct activity on the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri Risso. Spray applications of four different rates (4.5, 5.9, 7.4, and 14.9 g·L–1) were applied to green coleus, Solenostemon scutellarioides (L.) Codd., plants infested with citrus mealybugs. In addition, experiments were conducted to assess both the direct and indirect effects of MilStop® on two natural enemies of the citrus mealybug: the parasitoid, Leptomastix dactylopii (Howard), and the coccinellid beetle, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Mulsant). MilStop® provided between 56% and 86% mortality of citrus mealybug; however, the highest rate (14.9 g·L–1) was phytotoxic to coleus plants. Percent mortality associated with the second highest rate (7.4 g·L–1) was 82%, which was comparable to acetamiprid (84%) applied at 0.05 g·L–1. For the natural enemies, MilStop® treatment rates of 1.5 and 3.5 g·L–1 resulted in 16% mortality, whereas the 5.5- and 9.0-g·L–1 rates resulted in 33% mortality of L. dactylopii adults. MilStop® treatment rates of 3.5, 5.5, 9.0, and 12.0 g·L–1 resulted in 30%, 60%, 40%, and 90% mortality, respectively, of C. montrouzieri adults. Therefore, depending on the application rate, this fungicide may inadvertently kill citrus mealybugs when used to control fungal plant pathogens. It should not disrupt biological control programs targeting citrus mealybug in greenhouses that involve releases of L. dactylopii when used at low application rates, whereas MilStop® applications should be properly timed when using C. montrouzieri.

Inter- and intraspecific interactions in two mealybug predators Spalgis epius and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri in the presence and absence of prey

Spalgis epius and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri are the two potential predators of different species of mealybugs. However, the mode of their interactions is not known to use these predators together in the field. Hence, we investigated on the possible interactions i.e., cannibalism, intraguild predation (IGP) and competition between the predators in the presence and absence of prey Planococcus citri. In the presence of prey, no cannibalism and predation were observed in both S. epius and C. montrouzieri larvae. A pair of S. epius larvae consumed significantly more number of mealybugs than one S. epius/C. montrouzieri larva or a pair of C. montrouzieri larvae. The predation of S. epius larva by C. montrouzieri larva was significantly more than the predation of C. montrouzieri by S. epius. Conspecific and interspecific egg predation was absent both in S. epius and C. montrouzieri. Cannibalism in C. montrouzieri was more than that in S. epius. The study indicated that C. montrouzieri larvae can be used as an additive along with voracious S. epius larvae under abundant prey population. IGP was asymmetric between the two predators in the absence of prey. Both S. epius and C. montrouzieri larvae can maintain a stable coexistence when prey is abundantly available, however, in the complete absence of prey C. montrouzieri may dominate the guild. This study provides an insight into the possible complex inter- and intraspecific predatory phenomena in the field to use these two predators in the biological control of mealybugs.

Thermo Mediated Activity of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Predating on Rhizoecus amorphophalli Betren (Hemiptera: Rhizoecidae) on Elephant foot yam

Elephant foot yam ( Amorphophallus paeoniifolius Dennst.) tubers are infested with Oriental mealybug, Rhizoecus amorphophalli Betren in storage. The pest sucks and de-saps the cell content of tubers. It causes 10-15% infestation on the tubers leading to reduced vitality. The coccinellid, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant is a potential predator of R. amorphophalli . Studies were carried out to determine the optimum temperature required for C. montrouzieri for controlling R. amorphophalli in storage. At 30°C, the population of R. amorphophalli was found to increase faster than at 20°C and 25°C. The population growth was not favoured at 35°C. The C. montrouzieri was found voraciously feeding R. amorphophalli at 25°C. Feeding activity of the C. montrouzieri declined between 30°C and 35°C. The temperature higher than 30°C was not conducive for survival of the predator and significant mortality was recorded at 35°C (P< 0.01). Studies revealed that the temperature range between 25°C and 30°C in storage is most suitable for release of C. montrouzieri for successful control of R. amorphophalli.

Thermo Mediated Activity of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Predating on Rhizoecus amorphophalli Betren (Hemiptera: Rhizoecidae) on Elephant foot yam

Elephant foot yam ( Amorphophallus paeoniifolius Dennst.) tubers are infested with Oriental mealybug, Rhizoecus amorphophalli Betren in storage. The pest sucks and de-saps the cell content of tubers. It causes 10-15% infestation on the tubers leading to reduced vitality. The coccinellid, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant is a potential predator of R. amorphophalli . Studies were carried out to determine the optimum temperature required for C. montrouzieri for controlling R. amorphophalli in storage. At 30°C, the population of R. amorphophalli was found to increase faster than at 20°C and 25°C. The population growth was not favoured at 35°C. The C. montrouzieri was found voraciously feeding R. amorphophalli at 25°C. Feeding activity of the C. montrouzieri declined between 30°C and 35°C. The temperature higher than 30°C was not conducive for survival of the predator and significant mortality was recorded at 35°C (P< 0.01). Studies revealed that the temperature range between 25°C and 30°C in storage is most suitable for release of C. montrouzieri for successful control of R. amorphophalli.

Influence of Polyandry on Clutch Size of the Predatory Coccinellid,Cryptolaemus montrouzieri(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

The influence of different polyandrous situations on clutch size was determined in the predatory coccinellid, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant, as a measure of female reproductive fitness. The study revealed that single female beetles each held with 3 mates under a continuous mating situation laid significantly more eggs (6.93/ day) than females each similarly held either with 2 males or with 1 male. However, correlation analysis revealed a highly significant negative correlation (r = -0.60**) between the progression of days and clutch size with 3 mates. The number of multiple matings and clutch size also decreased over time compared to other treatments. The implications of these results are discussed.

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF CERTAIN CONSTITUENTS OF THREE PREY SPECIES OF THE PREDATOR, CRYPTOLAEMUS MONTROUZIERI

The predator, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant, (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is an important predator of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). It may be fairly, considered a valuable biocontrol agent against mealybugs because other biological control methods proved ineffective due to the waxy coat that covers insect body in addition to its feeding habits. To shed light on the effect of the chemical constituents of a prey on the biology of its predator, certain chemical analyses were carried out on the tested preys to estimate the protein, carbohydrate, lipids, sodium, potassium, and calcium contents. The present work dealt with the host preference of the predator, C. montrouzieri by using chemical analysis of certain constituents (protein, carbohydrates, lipids, calcium, sodium together with the Potassium) of Planococcus citri (Risso) (Hemiptera : Pseudococcidae) eggs, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs and Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) ( Hemiptera: Aphididae) nymphs. Chemical analysis of certain constituents of the tested preys of the predator C. montrouzieri showed that P. citri eggs had the highest total carbohydrates (31.37mg/g), total lipids (8.81 mg/g) and potassium content (1.3179 /mg), compared to the other two prey species ( E. kuhniella eggs and S. graminum nymphs). It could be finally concluded that the greatest constituents of carbohydrates, lipids and potassium in eggs of P. citri are mostly, the reason of its suitability for rearing the predator C. montrouzieri.