Ladybird Larvae Research Articles

The Effects of Natural Insecticides on the Green Peach Aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) and Its Natural Enemies Propylea quatuordecimpunctata (L.) and Aphidius colemani Viereck.

Botanical insecticides and soaps are frequently proposed as environmentally safer alternatives to synthetic insecticides. However, the efficacy and selectivity of these products are often only partially supported by empirical evidence. Here, we tested the effectiveness of five botanical insecticides, belonging to different categories, on the green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) and their selectivity towards two natural enemies, the ladybird beetle Propylea quatuordecimpunctata (L.) and the parasitoid Aphidius colemani (Dalman). White thyme essential oil (EO), sweet orange EO, crude garlic extract and Marseille soap were tested and compared with a pyrethrin-based commercial product. Both direct spray assays and residual contact assays on treated cabbage leaf disks were carried out. The tested products had low efficacy against aphids when compared to pyrethrins but were in general less detrimental to ladybird beetle larvae, meaning that if applied against other pests, they have a lower chance of harming this agent of aphid biocontrol. Some of the products (soap, orange EO) did, however, show direct exposure toxicity toward ladybird larvae, and thyme EO had extensive phytotoxic effects on cabbage leaves, possibly indirectly leading to higher mortality in ladybird adults. These results underline the necessity for case-by-case evaluations of botanical insecticides.

Effects of different dietary fats on biological characteristics of Coccinella septempunctata L

The study aims to provide a basis for the large-scale artificial breeding of Coccinella septempunctata, the composition of an artificial diet for the ladybird was optimised by adding different fats to the diet. The effects of different dietary fats on the biology of ladybirds were evaluated by supplementing artificial diets with fats. The results show that the coconut, palm, perilla, linseed, lard and sesame oils should not be added to the artificial diet of ladybird larvae because of deleterious effects on ladybirds. The addition of 6 g olive oil (3 % of diet weight) improved larvae survival rate, and the addition of 4 g beef tallow (2 % of diet weight) increased ladybird pupation and emergence rates. In adult stage, the addition of 4 g coconut oil (2 % of diet weight) improved survival rates. Whereas 2–4 g olive oil (1–2 % of diet weight), 2–6 g lard (1–3 % of diet weight) and 6 g beef tallow oil (3 % of diet weight) improved oviposition and hatchability. In conclusion, the demand for fats is different in the larval and adult stages of the C. septempunctata. The findings of this study provide a valuable reference for the addition of exogenous fats to the ladybird artificial diet.

Sublethal effects of a commercial Bt product and Bt cotton flowers on the bollworm (Helicoverpa zea) with impacts to predation from a lady beetle (Hippodamia convergens).

Insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) toxins produced by transgenic cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) plants have become an essential component of cotton pest management. Bt toxins are the primary management tool in transgenic cotton for lepidopteran pests, the most important of which is the bollworm (Helicoverpa zea Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the United States (U.S.). However, bollworm larvae that survive after consuming Bt toxins may experience sublethal effects, which could alter interactions with other organisms, such as natural enemies. Experiments were conducted to evaluate how sublethal effects of a commercial Bt product (Dipel) incorporated into artificial diet and from Bt cotton flowers impact predation from the convergent lady beetle (Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), common in cotton fields of the mid-southern U.S. Sublethal effects were detected through reduced weight and slower development in bollworm larvae which fed on Dipel incorporated into artificial diet, Bollgard II, and Bollgard 3 cotton flowers. Sublethal effects from proteins incorporated into artificial diet were found to significantly alter predation from third instar lady beetle larvae. Predation of bollworm larvae also increased significantly after feeding for three days on a diet incorporated with Bt proteins. These results suggest that the changes in larval weight and development induced by Bt can be used to help predict consumption of bollworm larvae by the convergent lady beetle. These findings are essential to understanding the potential level of biological control in Bt cotton where lepidopteran larvae experience sublethal effects.

Assessment of Boll Weevil Susceptibility to Isocycloseram and Ethiprole and Differential Toxicity to Natural Enemies.

Insecticides efficient against the target species while conserving natural enemies in the agroecosystem are required for IPM. With the imminent discontinuation of fipronil, a broad-spectrum insecticide, ethiprole, which belongs to the same group as phenylpyrazole (2B), and isocycloseram, a novel isoxazoline insecticide with distinct mode of action (30), provide options for controlling boll weevil. The susceptibility of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis (Boh.), and two natural enemies [Eriopis connexa (Germar) and Bracon vulgaris Ashmead] to these insecticides were studied. Furthermore, the survival and biological traits of the lady beetle, E. connexa, exposed to fipronil, isocycloseram, and ethiprole were assessed. The LC50s values for fipronil, ethiprole, and isocycloseram for A. grandis grandis were 2.71, 0.32, and 0.025mg a.i./L, respectively; 0.86, > 200, and 3.21mg a.i./L for E. connexa; and 2.31, 592.94, and 0.18mg a.i./L for B. vulgaris, respectively. The recommended rates of ethiprole did not cause mortality in adult lady beetles, although fipronil and isocycloseram were highly toxic. Lady beetle larvae and adults survived more than 80% when exposed to dried residues of ethiprole, but less than 10% when exposed to fipronil and isocycloseram. Lady beetle larvae development, reproduction, and predation rates of adults were similar between ethiprole and the control group. Although fipronil and ethiprole belong to the same insecticide group, the difference in toxicity to boll weevils and natural enemies is presented and discussed. Ethiprole was more toxic to boll weevils than to its parasitoid and lady beetle, and isocycloseram was highly toxic to all three species.

Irrigation decreases flower cover and beneficial arthropod abundances in Mediterranean vineyards

Over the last decades, the use of irrigation in vineyards has grown exponentially in response to climate change. In the Mediterranean region, irrigation is the most widely used method of preventing water stress and high sugar content in grapes. However, little is known about potential irrigation effects on biodiversity. This study aims to understand the effect of irrigation on inter-row vegetation, on the abundance of beneficial arthropods and on the predation of pest insects. In the Luberon region of South-Eastern France, nine irrigated and nine non-irrigated vineyards were analysed. Drip irrigation was applied only during the two driest months of the growing season. We found lower flower cover in irrigated vineyards but no difference in species richness and total vegetation cover. Similarly, abundances of several beneficial arthropods were directly affected by irrigation, such as crab spiders, ladybirds, ladybird larvae and parasitic wasps. Structural equation modelling (SEM) revealed that negative irrigation effects on these arthropods were mediated by negative effects on flower cover. Predation rates were also lower in irrigated vineyards but only during daytime. Grapevine yield was not affected by irrigation. Experiments manipulating water availability under controlled conditions may help to understand this surprisingly strong effect of irrigation on flower cover and beneficial arthropod abundance.

Ladybird (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) communities on nonnative blue spruce in central Europe

Abstract Blue spruce (Picea pungens) has been planted in urban greenery as an ornamental tree in central Europe for more than 150 years. We investigated whether this nonnative spruce is a convenient habitat for ladybirds (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae). In 2021 and 2022, adults and larvae were sampled in four towns in Slovakia at monthly intervals throughout the growing season, from April to October. We recorded adults of 27 species and larvae of 11 ladybird species. Conifer specialist ladybird species predominated both in adult and larval communities (adults – 9 species, 85.2% of all individuals; larvae – 7 species, 92.1% of all individuals). Exochomus quadripustulatus and Aphidecta obliterata were the most common in adult (31.8% and 33.5% of all individuals, respectively) and larval (57.5% and 25.1% of all individuals, respectively) communities. The most abundant generalist species was nonnative invasive Harmonia axyridis (adults – 5.6%, larvae – 6.8% of all individuals). Adults and larvae of ladybirds were more abundant on solitary trees than on trees growing in groups. Our results confirmed that blue spruce hosts rich ladybird communities and provides them shelter and food resources.

Effects of parasitism by a parasitoid wasp on the gut microbiota in a predaceous lady beetle host.

The gut microbiota has an intimate relationship with insect hosts and this relationship can become complicated with parasitic organisms being involved with the host. To date there has been limited evidence for the relevance of parasitism of the host by parasitoids to host gut microbiota, especially in host insect predators. Here, our study examined gut microbiotas in larvae of the predaceous lady beetle, Coccinella septempunctata, in response to their parasitism by Homalotylus eytelweinii regarding the development progress of offspring parasitoids. Overall 58.5% of gut bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in the parasitized lady beetle were different from those in the unparasitized host. The phylum Proteobacteria abundance increased while Firmicutes decreased in parasitized hosts compared to the unparasitized. The abundance of genus Aeribacillus decreased substantially in the parasitized lady beetle across all stages of the offspring development compared to the unparasitized host. The α-diversity of the gut microbiota in a parasitized lady beetle larva increased at the early stage of offspring parasitoids and then returned over the intermediate and later stages. Analyses of β-diversity indicated that the gut microbial community in a parasitized lady beetle was distinct from that in an unparasitized one and different between early or middle and late stages of offspring parasitoids in parasitized hosts. Our results provide evidence for the relevance of the gut microbiota to interactions between a lady beetle host and its parasitoid. Our study provides a starting point for further investigations of the role the gut microbiota may play in host-parasitoid interactions. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Apparent niche differences between native and exotic lady beetles

Generalist predators can enhance biological control by filling unique niches and complementing other natural enemies, or disrupt it by preying upon other predators and parasitoids, complicating their net value for biological control. We searched for evidence of complementarity and/or interference between native (primarily Eriopis chilensis and E. eschscholtzi) and exotic (primarily Hippodamia variegata and Harmonia axyridis) lady beetles attacking aphids in alfalfa (Medicago sativa) fields near Santiago, Chile. Across 60 fields and three growing seasons, exotic lady beetle adults and larvae reached peak abundance relatively earlier in the growing season than the natives. Furthermore, exotic lady beetle peaks aligned more closely with aphid peak abundance than did native lady beetle peaks. Abundances of native lady beetle adults and larvae were weakly positively correlated with those of exotics, and peak aphid densities were generally lowest in fields where native and non-native lady beetle adults were similarly abundant. Therefore, we did not see evidence of strong interference between exotics and natives. Natural-agricultural habitat edges reduced native, but not exotic, larval lady beetle lag behind aphid peaks and was associated with greater lady beetle and lower aphid densities. Moreover, farms embedded in landscapes with greater natural habitat cover supported more exotic, but not native, lady beetles, and increased the lag between larval lady beetles and aphids for natives but not exotics. These findings support the idea that farms embedded within mosaics of natural and agricultural habitats may provide greater interaction potential between native lady beetles and aphid pests on farms as they move across the landscape, leading to greater top-down control. In contrast, exotic lady beetle lags were unaffected by landscape composition or configuration, but their greater densities in farms surrounded by more natural habitats might reflect a 'concentration effect' whereby exotic lady beetle abundance becomes concentrated in the agricultural habitats that they prefer. Our findings suggest that some lady beetles introduced for biocontrol may be better adapted to intensively managed habitats than natives, possibly leading to spatiotemporal complementarity between native and exotic lady beetles.

The Toxicity Response of Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) after Exposure to Sublethal Concentrations of Acetamiprid

Coccinella septempunctata is a nontarget beneficial arthropod and an important aphid predator in agricultural crops. In this study, the toxic effects of the neonicotinoid acetamiprid on C. septempunctata were investigated to determine its applicability and efficacy against the aphid predator. The results of the toxicity test showed that the second instar larvae of C. septempunctata were the most sensitive to acetamiprid. The LC50 values of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th instar larvae were 15.767, 9.412, 18.850, and 25.278 mg a.i. L−1, respectively. Compared with that of the control, the predation ability of different larval instars was inhibited by sublethal concentrations of acetamiprid. The results of the predatory function test showed that sublethal concentrations of acetamiprid could reduce the consumption of aphids by fourth instar C. septempunctata larvae over a short duration and significantly inhibited the predatory ability of ladybird larvae. The results of the developmental test showed that sublethal concentration of acetamiprid shortened the growth duration of C. septempunctata larvae. Acetamiprid had considerable adverse effects on the different developmental stages of C. septempunctata. Together, our results provide information for implementation in biological and chemical control strategies for the integrated management of aphids.

Host plant resistance, foliar insecticide application and natural enemies play a role in the management of Melanaphis sorghi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in grain sorghum.

The invasive Melanaphis sorghi (Theobald; =Melanaphis sacchari Zehntner) is a serious pest of sorghum production in the southern USA. Demonstration of technologies that provide effective control is key to management of this pest. Here, we investigated the effect of host plant resistance (resistant cultivar: DKS37-07 and susceptible cultivar: DKS53-53) and a single foliar insecticide (flupyradifurone: Sivanto Prime) application on M. sorghi infestations and the role of natural enemy populations in grain sorghum production across five locations in four states in southeastern USA. Foliar insecticide application significantly suppressed M. sorghi infestations on both the resistant and susceptible sorghum cultivars across all locations. Planting the host plant resistant cultivar (DKS37-07) significantly reduced aphid infestation across all locations. Plant damage ratings did not vary widely, but there was generally a positive association between aphid counts and observed plant damage, suggesting that increasing aphid numbers resulted in corresponding increase in plant damage. Planting a host plant resistant cultivar and foliar insecticide application generally preserved grain yield. Both sorghum hybrids supported an array of different life stages of natural enemies (predators [lady beetle larvae and adults; hoverfly larvae and lacewing larvae] and parasitoids [a braconid and aphelinid]) for both the sprayed and non-sprayed treatments. We found a strong and significant positive relationship between the natural enemies and the M. sorghi infestation. Results suggest that planting a host plant resistant cultivar and the integration of natural enemies with insecticide control methods in the management of M. sorghi is central to the development of an effective pest management strategy against this invasive pest.

An improved artificial diet for larvae of the seven-spotted ladybird beetle Coccinella septempunctata L.

The seven-spotted ladybird beetle, Coccinella septempunctata, is an important predator of soft-bodied insect pests that can be reared on both natural and artificial diets. In this study, an artificial diet for larvae was optimized by using a four-factor and three-level orthogonal design. Shrimp, pollen, lard, and honey were selected as the four key factors, and their effects on larval survival, development, and pupation were assessed. The results showed that an increased shrimp content of 21.85% in the diet could shorten developmental time and increase larval survival. Increased pollen content of 4.86% improved both pupation and survival, and a lard content of 3.03% shortened developmental time and increased survival and pupation success. The biological indices of ladybird larvae were optimal when honey content was 10.02%.

Ant-psyllid mutualism affects predation of Diaphorina citri by lady beetle larvae and abundance of psyllid natural enemies

Ant-psyllid mutualism affects predation of Diaphorina citri by lady beetle larvae and abundance of psyllid natural enemies

Consumption patterns of the multicolored Asian ladybird Harmonia axyridis on the broad bean aphid Aphis craccivora

• Consumption patterns of ladybirds is meaningful for biological control programs. • Ladybird females were superior predator of aphids base on functional response. • Fourth-instar ladybird larvae suffered from greater intraspecific competition. • Adults and 4th-instar larvae of ladybirds are more effective in controlling aphids. • Intraspecific competition should be considered during field releases of ladybirds. The multicolored Asian ladybird Harmonia axyridis Pallas is often used as a biological control agent against Aphis craccivora Koch, a key pest aphid of broad bean. Understanding consumption characteristics of biological control agents is critical for developing effective biological control programs. Here, under laboratory conditions we studied consumption patterns of H. axyridis on A. craccivora including functional response and intraspecific competition. All larvae (1st-, 2nd-, 3rd-, 4th-instar) and adults (male and female) of H. axyridis exhibited a Type II functional response to A. craccivora . We found H. axyridis females were superior to individuals of other developmental stages, based on three key parameters in functional response model, i.e. attack rate ( a = 90.0%), handling time ( T h = 2.7 min), and consumption threshold ( N max = 526.7 individuals). Results from our analysis of intraspecific competition showed that when attacking A. craccivora , 4th-instar larvae of H. axyridis suffered from the greatest intraspecific competition (coefficient of mutual interference, m = 0.48). Our results show that 4th-instar larvae and adults of H. axyridis are most effective in controlling A. craccivora , and proper density of H. axyridis released will reduce intraspecific competition. This analysis reveals both prey-predator and predator-predator interactions, and highlights the value of biological control in reducing pesticide use and protecting ecological environments.

Population dynamics of white mango scale Aulacaspis tubercularis (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) and its natural enemies in Bahir Dar area, Northwest Ethiopia

The invasive white mango scale (Aulacaspis tubercularis) was introduced accidentally to Ethiopia in 2010 (through plant materials) and to Bahir Dar area, north western Ethiopia, in 2017. Its population dynamics was studied from October to May 2018/19 on randomly selected mango trees from which number of scales and their natural enemies were recorded using leaves as samples. Analysis of variance, correlation and regression were used for data analysis. Significantly more male colonies, live males, live females and number of eggs were recorded in October than in other months. The number of dead female scales was significantly and positively correlated with rainfall (r = 0.6), maximum temperature (r = 0.34), minimum temperature (r = 0.70) and wind (r = 0.5). Regression analyses showed significant association of weather variable and live females (r 2=0.75), adult predators and Aphytis spp. (r 2=0.48), dead females (r 2=0.62) and eggs (r 2=0.68). Four species of natural enemies, i.e., Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, Chilocorus stigma, Chilocorus bipustulatus larvae, Chrysoperla carnea and an unknown lady beetle larvae were found preying on white mango scale. Scale population varied with time and space, and different developmental stages responded differently to weather variables and predators.

Biotoxicity Evaluation of a Cationic Star Polymer on a Predatory Ladybird and Cooperative Pest Control by Polymer-Delivered Pesticides and Ladybird.

Although employing nanocarriers for gene/drug delivery shows great potential in agricultural fields, the biotoxicity of nanocarriers is a major concern for large-scale applications. Herein, we synthesized a cationic star polymer (SPc) as a pesticide nanocarrier/adjuvant to evaluate its safety against a widely used predatory ladybird (Harmonia axyridis). The application of SPc at extremely high concentrations nearly did not influence the hatching of ladybird eggs but it led to the death of ladybird larvae at lethal concentration 50 (LC50) values of 43.96 and 19.85 mg/mL through the soaking and feeding methods, respectively. The oral feeding of SPc downregulated many membrane protein genes and lysosome genes significantly, and the cell membrane and nucleus in gut tissues were remarkably damaged by SPc application, revealing that the lethal mechanism might be SPc-mediated membrane damage. Furthermore, the oral feeding of SPc increased the relative abundance of Serratia bacteria in ladybird guts to result in bacterial infection. Coapplication of ladybird and SPc-loaded thiamethoxam/matrine achieved desired control efficacies of more than 80% against green peach aphids, revealing that the coapplication could overcome the slow-acting property of ladybirds. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to investigate the polymer-mediated lethal mechanism toward natural enemies and explore the possibility of coapplying SPc-loaded pesticides and natural enemies for pest management.

Efficacy of Two Predatory Coccinellid Specie Feeding on Different Desities of Bemisia Tabaci (Homoptera : Aleyrodidae) Nymphs in The Laboratory

Aseries of experiments were conducted laborators of biollogical control in the postgraduate laboratory at the Al-Mussaib Technical College, AL-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University-Iraq in 2020, The larval and adult phase of Hippodamia variegate and Coccinella Septempunctata.L were reard on different densities of Bemisia tabaci nymphs to reveae theis predation and the effect on this longevity too: The average number of predation whitefly nymphs per day from each age larvae and adults of the thirteen-spoted ladybird H. variegate and the seven- spoted ladybird C. Septempunctata. L was in direct proportion to the increase in the density of the whitefly nymphs supplied for it daily, The highest average of thirteen point ladybird larvae was (48.60) at density (64) nymphs/whitefly at the first larval phase. While the lowest rate of first-stage larvae was (6.40) at density (2) nymphs/whitefly for the same larval phase, while the highest average of fourth-stage larvae was (131.20) at density (64) nymphs/whitefly. While the lowest average of the fourth larvae phase was (39.20) at density (8) nymphs/whitefly, As for the seven- spoted ladybird, the highest average of first-phase larvae reached (53.80) at density (64) nymphs/whitefly, while the lowest average of first-phase larvae reached (5.40) at density (2) nymphs/whitefly for the same larval phase. While the highest average of fourth phase larvae was (160.40) at density (64) nymph/whitefly, while the lowest average of fourth phase larvae was (46.00) at density (4) nymph/whitefly. The number of whitefly nymphs preyed by the thirteen- spoted ladybird H. variegate is less than the number of whitefly nymphs preyed by the seven- spoted ladybird C. Septempunctata. L. The daily average of predation for male predation ladybirds understudy for whitefly nymphs is less than the daily average for females with significant differences.

Treating green pea aphids, Myzus persicae, with azadirachtin affects the predatory ability and protective enzyme activity of harlequin ladybirds, Harmonia axyridis

As a natural enemy of green peach aphids, harlequin ladybirds, Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), are also indirectly affected by azadirachtin. In this study, we evaluated the effects of ladybird exposure to azadirachtin through azadirachtin-treated aphids. About 2 mg/L azadirachtin treated aphid can deliver the azadirachtin to ladybird larvae in 12 and 24 h. And azadirachtin treatment affected the rate at which fourth instar larvae and adult ladybirds preyed on aphids. Furthermore, the antifeedant effect increased with increasing azadirachtin concentrations. Twelve hours after exposing fourth instar ladybird larvae to aphids treated with 10 mg/L azadirachtin, the antifeedant effect was 47.70%. Twelve hours after exposing adult ladybirds to aphids treated with 2 mg/L azadirachtin, the antifeedant effect was 67.49%. Forty-eight hours after exposing ladybird larvae to azadirachtin-treated aphids, their bodyweights were 8.37 ± 0.044 mg (2 mg/L azadirachtin), 3.70 ± 0.491 mg (10 mg/L azadirachtin), and 2.39 ± 0.129 mg (50 mg/L azadirachtin). Treatment with azadirachtin affected the ability of ladybirds to prey on aphids. The results indicated that the instant attack rate of ladybird larvae and adults and the daily maximum predation rate were reduced by azadirachtin treatment. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and peroxide (CAT) enzyme activities of ladybirds were affected after feeding on aphids treated with azadirachtin. Azadirachtin has certain antifeedant effects on ladybirds and affects the ability of ladybirds to prey on aphids and the activities of SOD, POD, and CAT enzymes, which results in inhibition of normal body development.

OCURRENCE OF COCCINELLIDS IN A SPONTANEOUS PLANT CONYZA CANADENSIS (L.)

The objective of this work to register the occurrence and the influence of meteorological factors in the species of coccinelids, associated to the self- grown plant Conyza canadensis (L.). The work was performed during the period between March, 23 rd and July, 31 st, in 2019, in the vegetable garden of the Olericulture Department at IFSULDEMINAS, Campus Machado. The ladybugs were collected weekly in the weed plants, which were later forwarded to the Biology lab, where they were sorted and submitted to the identification. It has been found the species of Cycloneda sanguinea, Harmonia axyridis, Hippodamia convergens and larvae of ladybirds. Temperature and humidity influenced in the occurrence of ladybugs in the plants of C. canadensis.

Biological and Ecological Characteristics of the Ladybird Beetle (Lemnia biplagiata Swartz, 1808) (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera)

This paper studies the ladybird beetle in the laboratory at two average temperature levels: 22.2 ± 0.02 and 30.7 ± 0.03oC with average humidities of 69.5 ± 0.05 and 86.8 ± 0.06%, respectively, using Rhopalosiphum maidis as prey to observe its biological characteristics. The study results show that the ladybird beetle completes its life cycle in a time range from 19.75 ± 5.75 days at 30.7 ± 0.03oC and 86.8 ± 0,06% RH to 25.75 ± 6.50 days at 22.2 ± 0.02˚C and 69.5 ± 0.05% RH. The survival rate of ladybird larvae and the percentage of larvae aged 4 into pupae at 22.2 ± 0.02˚C and 69.5 ± 0.05% RH were higher than those at 30.7 ± 0.03oC and 86.8±0.06% RH by 32.4% and 8.24%, respectively. Using Rhopalosiphum maidis as food, the ladybird beetle larvae’s food consumption increases from age 1 to age 4 and the adults consume more food than the fourth-stage larvae by 11.60 R.maidis/day at 22.2 ± 0.02˚C and 69.5 ± 0.05% RH. At 30.7 ± 0.03oC and 86.8 ± 0.06% RH, the ladybird beetle larvae’s R. maidis food consumption at all phases was about 2.5 times higher than at 22.2 ± 0.02˚C and 69.5 ± 0.05% RH.

THE FEATURES OF BIOLOGY OF HARMONIA AXYRIDIS PALL. AND THE MOST COMMON SPECIES OF COCCINELLIDS IN UKRAINE AGROCOENOSIS

The research was conducted in 2017–2019 years in the Institute of Plant Protection of The National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine in the Laboratory of entomology and resistance of agricultural crops against pests (Kyiv, Ukraine). The objective of the research is investigation of particular biology features of Harmonia axyridis Pall. in comparison with the main species of coccinellids in typical agrocoenosis. The research methods are the following: laboratory method that means laboratory maintenance of coccinellids; mathematical-statistical method that means statistical processing of the obtained results. The Coccinellidae family (Latreille, 1807) has an important economic value in the human business activities. Most species are predators of aphids, scale insects, thrips, spider mites, leafhoppers, whiteflies, eggs and larvae of other small arthropods. Coccinellids are marked by their high gluttony, polyphagous, fertility. Beetles and larvae of ladybirds play a significant role in the quantity control of pests of agricultural, forest and ornamental plants. Since 2009 researchers in Ukraine have devoted great attention to identification and distribution of invasive species of Asian lady beetle, or Multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harlequin ladybird, Halloween ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis Pallas, 1773). H. axyridis Pall. is characterized by its wide ecological plasticity, trophic specialization, greater gluttony, fertility and number of generations leading to the gradual displacement of local species of coccinellids. The comparative results of researches of some biology features of H. axyridis Pall. and the most common species of ladybirds are presented. The survival of coccinellids imago during the wintering, in the active period in the absence of feed, their gluttony for different species of aphids is examined. Features of oviposition and duration of various stages of coccinellids development are presented. In the laboratory the Asian lady beetle was marked among other species by the number of its laid eggs, oviposition period, duration of various stages of its development, survival and gluttony