Chrysopidae Research Articles (Page 4)

Field experiment was conducted at the central research field, during kharif (March to July 2022). The experiment was laidout in RCBD (randomized complete block design). Ten treatments were evaluated against jassid Amrasca biguttula (Ishida) and whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). At vegetative stage, lowest number of A. biguttula (0.25/ leaf) and B. tabaci (0.12/ leaf) was observed with emamectin benzoate +abamectin @ 0.50 g/ l and chlorantraniliprole + thiamethoxam @ 0.50 ml/ l. respectively, A. biguttula(1.16/ leaf) and B. tabaci (0.33/ leaf) was recorded as lowest with emamectin benzoate + abamectin @0.75 g/ l at fruiting stage. The lowest fruit infestation (9.56%) was observed with chlorantraniliprole +thiamethoxam @ 0.75 ml/ l. Maximum number of ladybird beetle, Coccinella septempunctata (L) (2.59/plant); spider, Hippasa agelenoides (Simon) (1.20/ plant) and green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens)(2.50/ plant) were observed when no insecticide was used. Both chlorantraniliprole + thiamethoxam @0.75 ml/ l and emamectin benzoate + abamectin @ 0.75 g/ l led to the least number of C. septempunctata(0.33/ plant). Flubendiamide @ 0.50 g/ l led to insignificant number of H. agelenoides (0.33/ plant). Thehighest fruit yield (19.56 t/ ha) was achieved from emamectin benzoate + abamectin @ 0.50 g/ l.

To find sustainable ways to protect its sugarcane areas from the key pest Sipha flava (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in north Tanzania, the local company TPC Limited funded a 6 months project in coordination with the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) to assess different agroecological practices, such as the use of companion plants around sugarcane fields. In this study, the influence of the flowering species Tithonia diversifolia located at the field edges as a potential banker plant for conservation biological control of the yellow sugarcane aphid was evaluated. Predatory species were identified by direct capture and/or regular observations and the intensity of aphid damage was evaluated through number of colonies. Twenty-four aphid predator species were identified being hosted by T. diversifolia, and the vicinity of this plant reduced by 86% the number of S. flava colonies in the sugarcane edges. These species belonged mostly to family Coccinellidae (ladybugs), Syrphidae (hoverflies), Chrysopidae (green lacewings), Dolichopodidae (long legged flies). This is the first paper evaluating T. diversifolia’s potential as a banker plant in sugarcane crops for pest control.

Kawas, H. and A. Basheer. 2024. First Record of a New Species of Green Lacewings Chrysopa niki n. sp. in Syria. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 42(2): 241-244. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001230 A field survey was conducted in several public and private gardens in Rif Damascus governorate during 2022. Adults of green lacewings (Chrysopidae) were collected as important elements in biological control programs, from pomegranate, Punica granatum L. (Family: Lythraceae), common jasmine, Jasminum officinale L. (Family: Oleaceae) and Viburnum tinus L. (Family: Adoxaceae). Collected insects were examined microscopically and compared with the global classification keys and confirmed the presence of the species Chrysopa niki n. sp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopoidea) for the first time in Syria. A few biological data were studied for adults collected in July 2022 from the same plant hosts mentioned above, placed in containers in breeding cages and fed on sugar solution under laboratory conditions at a temperature of 22- 24˚C and a relative humidity of 60±10%. Insects were medium in size, the body elongated, gray in color, the body length ranged between 10 and 14 mm, wingspan ranged between 20 and 28 mm, the antennae were long and thin (threadlike). Wings were translucent, shiny, emerald bluish, multi-veined. The female laid eggs alone on the lower surface and the edges of the leaves. The eggs were elongated, cylindrical, light green in color that turns to bluish green then to gray before hatching, with a short stalk around 9 mm long. Some newly emerged larvae fed on unhatched eggs. The hatching period ranged from 3 to 5 days. Adults age ranged between 21 and 42 days, the number of eggs laid/female was 32-112 eggs, and the hatching rate ranged between 40 and 80%. Keywords: Chrysopidae, Chrysopa niki n. sp., biological data, Syria

The species, Glenochrysa zeylanica (Banks, 1913) belonging to the family Chrysopidae is rediscovered and recorded for the first time from India. Besides, the global distribution of G. zeylanica is also figured.

Field experiment was carried out at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Vijayapura, to study population dynamics of insect pests and their natural enemies in pearl millet ecosystem. The present study revealed that, dead heart per cent (14.45%) due to shoot fly, Atherigona approximata (Malloch) was peak during 35th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW), per cent damage due to stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) was at peak during the 37th SMW (4.55%) and highest blister beetle, Lytta sp. population was observed during 38th SMW (12 beetles/ 5 Ear heads). While, the maximum population of aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) and its predators, such as coccinellids Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius), Harmonia octomaculata (Fabricius) and spiders were recorded during the 34th SMW and the green lacewing Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Ebson-petersen) population at 35th SMW. The correlation studies indicated that, dead heart per cent due to shoot fly revealed a significant positive correlation with maximum temperature (r= 0.588*) and stem borer infestation revealed a significant positive correlation with maximum relative humidity (r= 603*) and sunshine hours (r= 585*). None of the weather parameters showed a significant correlation with the incidence of blister beetle and aphid populations.

The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Homoptera: Aphididae), is a major pest of brassica plants, with the ability to transmit > 100 viruses. Although the adoption of Integrated Pest Management is increasing, chemical treatment remains the predominant method used to control M. persicae globally. Insecticide seed treatments, typically with neonicotinoid active ingredients, have become commonplace in canola crops, and are viewed as a "softer" alternative to foliar sprays but may nevertheless impact natural enemies of M. persicae. In this study, the effects of canola seed treatments, containing imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and a mixture of thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin, were investigated on the parasitoid wasp, Aphidius colemani Viereck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and the green lacewing, Mallada signatus (Schneider) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), both important natural enemies of M. persicae. Laboratory trials were undertaken using whole plants, with lethal and sublethal effects assessed by measuring several traits. Compared with untreated plants, more aphid mummies were produced and more A. colemani were reared on plants treated with thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin and more aphid mummies were produced on imidacloprid plants. Imidacloprid reduced the time A. colemani spent searching for M. persicae and thiamethoxam reduced its cleaning time. However, after A. colemani were removed from treated plants, there were no such effects observed, suggesting these impacts were relatively short-lived. We found no significant effects of seed treatments on M. signatus. These results point to the complexity of ecotoxicology studies involving multiple trophic levels and indicate that seed treatments may have variable impacts on key fitness traits of natural enemies.

Faba bean, Vicia faba, is one of the main popular legume crops in the world. Their seeds are rich sources of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins for human food and animal consumption. For these reasons, improving and increasing the cultivated area of faba beans are essentially needed to achieve self-sufficiency. Therefore, this study is focused on the diversity of harmful and beneficial insects on this crop in Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt. The Survey of harmful and beneficial insects on faba bean crop registered 44 insect species (21 pests, 4 parasitoids, 11 predators, and 8 pollinators and visitors) belonging to 9 orders and 27 families. The most common pest species were green leafhopper, Empoasca decipiens (42.28%), followed by bean fly, Ophiomyia phaseoli (17.16%); American serpentine leaf miner, Liriomyza trifolii (16.45%); sugar beet fly, Pegomya mixta (9.20%); campyloma bug, Campylomma sp. (7.61%); and bean seed fly, Delia sp. (3.17%). Besides, four native parasitoid species were recorded (Chelonus sp., Opius nitidulator, Dirhinus excavatus, and Trichogramma sp.). The most abundant and predominant predators’ species during the season were the eleven-spotted ladybird beetles, Coccinella undecimpunctata (44.27%) and Scymnusnubilus (35.5%). While, minute pirate bug, Orius insidiosus (6.51%) and common green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (5.52%) were found in a moderate dominant. Moreover, honeybees, Apis mellifera were the main pollinators of this vital crop that was observed in high numbers through the growing season. Ultimately, this study will be essential for developing and improving the control technique of common insects in faba bean fields.

The family Chrysopidae (green lacewings) is a highly diverse group of Neuroptera, with rich fossil records. The Cenozoic fossils of green lacewings currently comprise 21 genera and 42 species. Here we describe two new green lacewing species of the tribe Chrysopini, tentatively placed in the genus Chrysopa Leach, 1815, namely Chrysopa? extensa sp. nov. and Chrysopa? prominenta sp. nov. from Eocene Baltic amber and Miocene Mexican amber, respectively. These species represent the second chrysopid occurrence and the first record of the tribe Chrysopini from Baltic amber, and the first occurrence of Chrysopidae from Mexican amber, respectively. Both new species are assigned to Chrysopini based on the following characters: the intramedian cell eutriangular without crossvein, and the basal-most RP branch origins distal to the intramedian cell in the forewing.

A better understanding of predator-prey interactions is crucial for the development of biological control strategies. The green lacewing, Chrysopa pallens, is a well-known generalist predator and reportedly functions as one of the most important biological control agents of insect pests. However, information regarding C. pallens’ predation on tea plant pests, particularly notorious tea mites, remains largely unknown. In this study, we focused on the predator-prey relationship between C. pallens and an important tea mite pest, Acaphylla theae. We designed species-specific primers for the detection of A. theae DNA and established a PCR-based DNA gut content analysis assay. These results demonstrated that the primers were A. theae-specific and suitable for its molecular identification. The laboratory feeding experiment showed that the detectability success (DS50) of A. theae DNA remaining in C. pallens’ guts was 2.9 h. We then performed a molecular detection of field predation, and achieved a 23.53% positive detection rate of A. theae DNA in the guts of field-collected C. pallens. This, for the first time, provides direct evidence that C. pallens can prey on A. theae in tea plantations. Finally, we tested the prey preference and estimated the predation ability of C. pallens on different developmental stages of A. theae. The results revealed that C. pallens had no significant preference for different developmental stages of A. theae. The functional responses of C. pallens’ predation on different densities of A. theae at different developmental stages followed a Type II Holling model. The initial attack rate (a’) ranged from 0.735 to 0.858 and the handling time (Th) was approximately 0.01. This study is the first to demonstrate the trophic interactions between C. pallens and A. theae and provides evidence for the development of biological control strategies against A. theae using C. pallens as a candidate predator.

Chrysopidae (green lacewings) are a cosmopolitan and species-rich family of Neuroptera, with remarkable significance of biological control against various agricultural and forestry pests. However, the phylogenetic position of Chrysopidae in Neuroptera and the internal relationships within the family remain equivocal among previous studies based on different types of data and sampling. Here we sequenced the mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of two species of the genus Ankylopteryx in the chrysopine tribe Ankylopterygini for the first time. The characteristics of these mitogenomes were analyzed in comparison with other green lacewing mitogenomes published to date. In the phylogeny herein reconstructed based on mitogenomes, Chrysopinae were recovered as the sister group to Apochrysinae + Nothochrysinae. Within the subfamily of Chrysopinae, Nothancylini were recovered as the sister group to (Leucochrysini + Belonopterygini) + (Ankylopterygini + Chrysopini). The divergence time estimation suggested an Early Cretaceous initial divergence within the extant Chrysopidae. Within Chrysopinae, the four tribes except Nothancylini diverged around mid-Cretaceous.

Global pesticide use in agriculture is one reason for the rapid insect decline in recent years. The relatively new pesticide flupyradifurone is neurotoxic to pest insects but considered harmless to bees according to previous risk assessments. With this study, we aim to investigate lethal and sublethal effects of flupyradifurone on larvae of the beneficial arthropod Chrysoperla carnea. We treated the animals orally with field-realistic concentrations of flupyradifurone and examined lethality as well as effects on condition, mobility and locomotion. For the lethal dose 50, we determined a value of > 120-200ng/mg (corresponding to a mean amount of 219ng/larva) after 168h. Abnormal behaviors such as trembling and comatose larvae were observed even at the lowest concentration applied (> 0-20ng/mg, 59ng/larva). Mobility analysis showed impaired activity patterns, resulting in acute hypoactivity at all pesticide concentrations and time-delayed hyperactivity in larvae treated with > 40-60ng/mg (100ng/larva) and > 80-100ng/mg (120ng/larva), respectively. Even locomotion as a fundamental behavioral task was negatively influenced throughout larval development. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that flupyradifurone impacts life and survival of lacewing larvae and may pose-despite its status as bee-friendly-a major threat to insect fauna and environment.

Background: As a pest, the mango mealy bug (Drosicha mangiferae G) is very important as it ranks second in terms of damage inflicted to the fruit crop. Natural enemies such as predators, parasitoids are considered to be significant deterrent of mango mealy bug. These natural enemies can act as biological control agent which can bring about pest suppression as an important tool of integrated pest management. Therefore, studies of natural enemy complex of mango mealy bug become pertinent. In the current study the available predators, parasitoids of mango mealy bug was surveyed at different regions of Malda. Methods: The predators of mango mealy bugs were studied by sampling mealy bug infested colonies present in the inflorescence and in 20 cm2 area of trunk. Sampling was carried out by visualization of predatory behavior of the entomophagous insects. Parasitoid was studied by observing the emergence of adults from infested mealy bugs in a closed container. Result: Ladybird beetles and Green lacewings were the most abundant predators; their relative abundance was 48.96% and 37.30%. Among the coccinellids, Rodalia amabilis and one unidentified coccinellid were found as dominant. The green lacewing larva, Chrysoparla sp. acted as important predator. Besides Ladybird beetles and Green lacewings, the spiders and bugs were also noticed in the predatory guild. Only one dipteran parasitoid species, Cryptochetum sp. nr. iceryae (Williston) was found to parasitize the mealy bugs. The standardization of mass rearing techniques for the three predators and one parasitoid and their release in the mealy bug infested orchards can bring about efficacious control of this menacing pest.

A new green lacewing species Apertochrysa roseusfrontata sp. nov. and a newly recorded Plesiochrysa ramburi (Schneider, 1851) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae: Chrysopinae) from South China are described based on the morphological characters of both adults and larvae. Both species were found predating Dysmicoccus neobrevipes Beardsley, 1959 (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on sisal (Agave sisalana Perrine, 1838) in Guangdong Province.

The Green lacewing, Apertochrysa astur also known as “aphid lion” is an efficient predator of various soft bodied insect pests. A laboratory experiment was conducted in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu to observe the preference of A. Astur on their oviposition behaviour. Egg receiving sheets were pasted with black, amber, ash, parrot green, violet, red, light green, pink, blue, fluorescent yellow, sky blue, yellow, orange and white coloured papers. Among all the colours, females of A. astur preferred black colour as a substrate for laying eggs (19.6 per cent of eggs) followed by orange colour substrate (15.5per cent) while white was the least preferred colour (4.0 % eggs). Among the host plants examined, maximum number of eggs was laid in the coconut leaves infested with the invasive whiteflies followed by custard apple and banana. Therefore, whitefly infested coconut leaves and the black coloured substrate can be used in the mass production of A. astur in the laboratory.

The application of C. carnea has accounted for one third of all successful biocontrol programs worldwide. For the successful application of pest control programs that use C. carnea as a biocontrol agent, it is necessary to recognize high quality food/prey. Larvae of C. carnea were provided with either eggs of one of Planococcus citri, Icerya aegyptiaca, I. seychellarum and their mixing or second-instars of one of those mealybug species and one more species, Planococcus solenopsis. These feeding trials were conducted at 25.0±1.0 °C and 65±5% R.H. Eggs of I. aegyptiaca accelerated development of C. carnea. Eggs of mealybug species significantly affected oviposition period, female and male longevities, and fecundity. The longest female and male longevities were obtained when predator's larvae fed on mixing mealybug eggs. The highest female fecundity was when predator's larvae fed with P. citri eggs. Female fertility ranged between 98 and 99% in relation to mealybug eggs consumed. In case of using second-instar mealybugs as a food, the shortest developmental time and longest female longevity was when predator's larvae fed on second-instars of P. citri. second-instar mealybugs significantly affected female fecundity with the highest fecundity was for those their larvae fed on second-instars P. citri and P. solenopsis. Female fertility ranged between 97 and 98% in relation to type of second-instar mealybugs that provided for predator's larvae. The success of any predator majorly depends on the nutritional quality of its prey. These information will be useful for the formulation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.

The silver leaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), stands out as a highly destructive insect in temperate, tropical, and subtropical regions, inflicting extensive damage to agricultural crops worldwide. Its impact resonates in India, where it has emerged as a formidable pest. Moreover, the excessive use of chemically-derived pesticides has led to the emergence of insect-resistant strains, resulting in environmental pollution and endangering human health. The use of natural enemies is a sustainable and environmentally safe alternative management tactic. The predation potential of green lacewing, Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi Esben-Peterson (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) on eggs, nymphs and adults of B. tabaci infesting parthenocarpic cucumber grown under polyhouse has been examined here. On cucumber plants, three releases of 2nd instar C. zastrowi sillemi larvae (at one, two and three larvae/plant) were made at 7 days intervals. The release of three larvae/plant resulted in significantly higher predation rate on whitefly population (58.6% on egg, 61.0% on nymph and 32.3% on adult stage of the whitefly) than two or one green lacewing larvae/plant (56.3% on egg, 58.3% on nymph and 30.4% on adult stage of the whitefly & 49.9% on egg, 51.0% on nymph and 24.6% on adult stage of the whitefly, respectively). Significantly higher yields of cucumber were recorded from plots with the release rate of three larvae per plant (2047.9 g/plant). Augmentative biological control of B. tabaci under polyhouse conditions with three weekly releases of 2nd instar C. zastrowi sillemi larvae at three larvae per plant can effectively manage whitefly infestation on parthenocarpic cucumber under polyhouse condition.

Family Chrysopidae is known to harbor specific gut yeasts. However, no studies have been conducted outside of a limited number of these green lacewing species, and the diversity of yeasts in the family as a whole is not known. Therefore, we collected 58 Chrysopidae adults (9 species, 6 genera, 2 subfamilies) in Japan and isolated yeasts from all individuals. The results showed for the first time that not only subfamily Chrysopinae but also subfamily Apochrysinae have gut yeasts. We obtained 58 yeast isolates (one from each host individual), all of which were of the genus Metschnikowia. 28S rDNA- and ITS-based phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolates were divided into three clades, designated clade I, II, and III. Clade I contains two previously described Chrysopidae gut yeasts (M. picachoensis and M. pimensis) as well as a one of our new species named M. shishimaru. Clade II is a new clade, with at least two new species named M. kenjo and M. seizan. Clade III contains the previously described species M. noctiluminum, a Chrysopidae gut yeast, and one of our isolate (We have not described it as new species). However, the phylogenetic relationship between our isolate and M. noctiluminum was unclear. These results indicate that the Japanese Chrysopidae gut yeasts consist mainly of three undescribed species and that they are more unique than those found in previous surveys. The results of this study indicate that Chrysopidae gut yeasts are more diverse than previously thought and should be investigated in various geographical regions in the future.

The brown lacewing Micromus angulatus: A new predator for the augmentative biological control of aphids

Nabhan, M., Z.Sh. Khamis and B. Hawis. 2023. Parasitoid Wasps of Green Lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea in Cotton Fields in Hama Governorate, Syria: New Records and Some Biological Aspects. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 41(3): 306-313. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-41.3.306313 This study aimed to identify parasitoid species of Chrysoperla carnea stages, and to evaluate their effect on predator’s population in the field. Three hymenopteran parasitoid species of this predator were collected and identified. Telenomus acrobates Giard (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) was found to parasitize the eggs, and was previously recorded in northern Syria. Two other species parasitized the larva-pupa stage of the predator, and are recorded for the first time in Syria in this study. The first species is Baryscapus chrysopae (Crawford, 1915) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), which showed a parasitism rate of 23.08% and 28.75% of the total collected eggs in 2017 and 2018 seasons, respectively, and 2-14 parasitoids individuals (males and females) emerged from each pupa. The second species was Perilampus chrysopae (Crawford, 1914) (Hymenoptera, Perilampidae), which showed a parasitism rate of 5.13% and 23.81% of the total larvae collected in the two seasons, respectively, and one parasitoid individual (male or female) emerged from each pupa. Keywords: Chrysoperla carnea, Baryscapus chrysopae, Perilampus chrysopa, Telenomus acrobates, new record, Syria

The study was conducted in Wasit province (Numaniya) and the province of Baghdad (Jadiriyah) in 2013-2014 in orchards planted with different kinds of citrus under the date palms infected with the whitefly Aleuroclava jasmini (Takahashi) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). The results of the study showed that predator the common green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea ( stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) is the dominant predator in the presence and prevalence on various citrus trees with different densities depending on the density of whitefly, and the highest density was on Tangerine trees Citrus tangerine Tanaka and recorded all his stages (eggs, larvae, pupae and adults) during the spring, summer and autumn, and is in the winter the stage of active and volatile adult insects among the trees citrus, which underlines the lack of passing Hibernation and that the intensity of the predator first two peaks during the months of June and July and the second in September and October.