Predatory Insect Species Research Articles

Inventarisasi Serangga Entomofag yang Berasosiasi pada Bunga Pukul Delapan (Turnera ulmifolia) dan (Turnera subulata) di Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit (Elais guineensis Jacq.) PT. Dendy Marker Indah Lestari, Kabupaten Musi Rawas Utara, Sumatera Selatan

Palm Oil Palm is a potential plantation to be developed in Indonesia. Pests are a limiting factor in oil palm cultivation factories. Pest attacks on oil palm plants can cause growth disturbances and defoliation of up to 100%. This study aims to determine the associated entomophage insects in T. subulata and T. ulmifolia plants. This research is a direct survey in the oil palm plantation of PT. Dendy Maker Indah Lestari, North Musi Rawas Regency, South Sumatra Province from September 2022 to November 2022. The results of the study found 11 entomophage insects associated with T. ulmifolia and T. subulata plants. These eleven insect species consist of 8 species of predatory insects belonging to 5 orders and 6 families there are Coccinella transversalis, Condylostylus sp., Syicanus croceovittatus, Syicanus croceovittatus, Cosmolestes picticeps, Rhynocoris rubricus, Odontomantis planiceps, Mantis religiosa, Citrine forktail and 3 species parasitoid insects belonging to 1 order and 2 families, there are Brachymeria sp., Antocephalus sp., and Aleiodes sp. The most dominant predatory insect species found was C. picticeps with a total of 441 individuals. The most dominant parasitoid insect species found was Brachymeria with a total of 3108 individuals. The conclusion in this study was that more dominant predatory insect species were found associated with flowers than parasitoid insects.

A predator–prey population dynamics simulation for biological control of Frankliniella occidentalis (Western Flower Thrips) by Orius laevigatus in strawberry plants

The use of predatory insect species to control agricultural pests is a key aspect of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) that can help to reduce the use of chemical pesticides. A simulation model that captures the population dynamics and interactions of this predator–prey system can serve as a valuable IPM decision-support tool. However, such a simulation is challenging to construct due to the interactions between life stages of insect predators, prey and the crop plants. Frankliniella occidentalis (Western Flower Thrips, WFT) is an economically devastating global pest that damages diverse crops. Orius laevigatus is an effective and commercially available predator that controls WFT. We, therefore, developed a population dynamics simulation that models their interactions to better understand these insects’ predator–prey dynamics in a strawberry crop. The model considers critical multi-stage predator–prey interaction, prey consumption reduction due to intraspecific competition, and the relationship between predation and oviposition rates of Orius. The simulation was structured using the boxcar train method, a stage-structured approach allowing insect populations to flow from one stage to the next over time. It was parameterised using data from existing literature. The results indicate the potential of the model to forecast the predator and prey species’ population dynamics for different initial populations. A global sensitivity analysis identified that the daily oviposition rate of WFT and egg survival rate of Orius were the most significant parameters. The prey handling time of Orius on WFT did not significantly impact population variation. This model provides a useful tool for scenario exploration and assessment of the effects of Orius on WFT that can aid decision-making in IPM prior to implementation.

Insect predator of spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith in Sleman and Gunungkidul regency, Indonesia

This research was conducted to identify and found the abundance of predatory insect species of S. frugiperda in Sleman and Gunungkidul Regencies, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia. This research was conducted in June 2021 - March 2022 on corn plantations in Sleman and Gunungkidul Regencies. Determination of the sampling location was determined by stratified random sampling. Corn land used in sampling was determined by purposive. Insect predator caught by using sweeping net and hand picking. The results showed that there are 3 orders, 8 families, and 16 species of insect predators. 3 orders of the insect predators that found in the Sleman and Gunungkidul Regencies were Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, and Hemiptera. Insect predator families that found in Sleman dan Guungkidul Regencies were Coccinellidae, Carabidae, Staphylinidae, Formicidae, Vespidae, Pentatomidae and Reduviidae. Insect predators species that was most commonly found was Menochilus sexmaculatus with 467 individuals and the least was Sycanus sp. with 1 individual. The conclusion of this study is that there were 16 species of predators from S. frugiperda in Sleman and Gunungkidul Regencies. Practical implications of this research were the insect predators that found in Sleman and Gunungkidul Regencies can be used to maintain the population of Spodoptera frugiperda in two regencies.

Horizontally transferred genes as RNA interference targets for aphid and whitefly control.

RNA interference (RNAi)-based technologies are starting to be commercialized as a new approach for agricultural pest control. Horizontally transferred genes (HTGs), which have been transferred into insect genomes from viruses, bacteria, fungi or plants, are attractive targets for RNAi-mediated pest control. HTGs are often unique to a specific insect family or even genus, making it unlikely that RNAi constructs targeting such genes will have negative effects on ladybugs, lacewings and other beneficial predatory insect species. In this study, we sequenced the genome of a red, tobacco-adapted isolate of Myzus persicae (green peach aphid) and bioinformatically identified 30 HTGs. We then used plant-mediated virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) to show that several HTGs of bacterial and plant origin are important for aphid growth and/or survival. Silencing the expression of fungal-origin HTGs did not affect aphid survivorship but decreased aphid reproduction. Importantly, although there was uptake of plant-expressed RNA by Coccinella septempunctata (seven-spotted ladybugs) via the aphids that they consumed, we did not observe negative effects on ladybugs from aphid-targeted VIGS constructs. To demonstrate that this approach is more broadly applicable, we also targeted five Bemisia tabaci (whitefly) HTGs using VIGS and demonstrated that knockdown of some of these genes affected whitefly survival. As functional HTGs have been identified in the genomes of numerous pest species, we propose that these HTGs should be explored further as efficient and safe targets for control of insect pests using plant-mediated RNA interference.

Abundance and diversity of predatory insects in chili plant ecosystems cultivated by IPM

Cayenne pepper is a strategic commodity. The use of chemical insecticides to control pests has a negative impact on the agroecosystem. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an environmentally solution to overcome pest problems. The objectives of this study were to determine the abundance and diversity of predatory insects. Sampling was carried out in August-October 2020 in west Lombok, Indonesia, on chili fields using the IPM technique. Observations were conducted on the generative phase of chili planting and carried out using the Yellow Pan and Pitfall Trap. The population of predatory insects in chili with IPM was 1,707 individuals representing 24 species from 8 families and 5 orders. The order Hymenoptera was the most abundant (63.27%) of the total predatory insects collected, followed by Coleoptera (30.93%), and Diptera (4.63%). The diversity index of predatory species is 1.79 in land planted with chili using IPM techniques. Chili plant using IPM techniques has more abundance and divers of predatory insect species than conventional chili land. This study provides some insight into the community of predatory insects in the generative phase of the chili ecosystem and suggests that an ecological approach is needed for pest management to maintain the balance of the agroecosystem and promote biodiversity.

Burdur kent merkezi peyzaj alanlarında odunsu bitki taksonlarında fitofag böcekler ve avcıları

Field studies were carried out during the April-November period of 2018-2019 in order to determine the phytophagous and predatory insect species living on ornamental trees and shrubs in Burdur city center parks. 15 parks located in the city center were chosen as the study area. The parks were visited three-four times throughout the year and specimens of insects and host plants were collected and brought to the laboratory for preparation and diagnosis. A total of 34 plant taxa were examined throughout the study. As a result, totally 55 phytophagous insect species were identified from three orders and 19 families [Pseudococcidae 1, Diaspididae 4, Marchalinidae 1, Tingidae 3, Psyllidae 2, Cicadellidae 3, Miridae 7, Lygaeidae 6, Coreidae 2, Rhapolidae 2, Pentatomidae 4, Cixidae 1 (Hemiptera), Apionidae 3, Chrysomelidae 4, Curculionidae 8, Malachiidae 1, Elateridae 1 (Coleoptera), Tortricidae 1, and Notodontidae 1 (Lepidoptera)]. Among them, the most common and abundant species was Marchalina hellenica (Gennadius, 1883) from the Marchalinidae family. We report Anthocomus equestris (Fabricius, 1781) from the Malachiidae family as a new record from Turkey. Totally 18 predator species were identified from seven families [Nabidae 1, Miridae 1, Anthocoridae 2, Coccinellidae 10, Cantharidae 2, Srypidae 1, and Forficulidae 1]. We identified 83 interactions between phytophagous insects and host plants, and 26 interactions among phytophagous insects, host plants, and predator species.

Distribution and predators of the invasive spider mite Tetranychus evansi (Acari: Tetranychidae) in the Syrian coastal region, with first record of predation by the native Scolothrips longicornis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

The tomato red spider mite, Tetranychus evansi Baker and Pritchard, has emerged as a destructive invasive pest of solanaceous crops worldwide. It was first recorded in Syria in 2011, in Latakia governorate, in the coastal region. Successful management of T. evansi in a given region benefits from information about its distribution, host plants, and associated natural enemies. Therefore, we investigated, in 2019 and 2020, the status of T. evansi on solanaceous plants in the Syrian coastal region, an important producer of solanaceous crops. A total of 237 samples were collected at 187 sites in Latakia and Tartus governorates. Tetranychus evansi was found in 34 cultivated and wild solanaceous plant samples collected at 29 sites distributed across all districts in those governorates, and in a variety of landscapes and elevations, ranging from the coastal plains to high altitudes in the Syrian Coastal Mountain Range. It was collected from three solanaceous crops, namely tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), as well as from two wild solanaceous plants: black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) and red nightshade (Solanum villosum Mill.). A total of 14 species of predatory insects and mites, and five species of phytophagous mites, were identified in association with T. evansi. Predatory insects were more frequent and abundant than predatory mites. The insect predator Feltiella acarisuga (Vallot) was the most common and abundant species among the predators, followed by Stethorus gilvifrons (Mulsant) and Scolothrips longicornis Priesner. The predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot was the most frequent and abundant species of associated predatory mites.

THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT PHYTOPROTECTION SYSTEMS ON ENTOMOFAGE FAUNA IN APPLE PLANTATION

The paper presents data on the diversity of entomophagous fauna in an ecologically managed apple plantation, as well as aspects regarding the differences found in the structure of the entomophagous complex in three variants of phytoprotection technologies: "Ecological", "Biotechnical" and "Chemical standard". The study was carried out during the years 2019-2020, at the Research Institute for Fruit Growing Pitesti, in a plot aged 12 years. The evaluations were performed both in the field, visually and in the laboratory, at binocular magnifier. As a result of this study, a number of 6 species of predatory insects were identified: Chrysopa carnea, Coccinella septempunctata, Adalia decempunctata, Anthocoris sp., Phytoseiulus persimilis and Aphidoletes aphidimyza, were mainly from the Orders Mesostigmata, Coleoptera, Neuroptera, Diptera and Hemiptera.

Ultrastructure and morphology of the compound eyes of the predatory bug Montandoniola moraguesi (Insecta: Hemiptera: Anthocoridae)

The morphology and ultrastructure of the compound eye of the predatory bug, Montandoniola moraguesi (Puton, 1986) was investigated using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Its compound eyes, which contain ∼195 ommatidia per eye, have the following characteristics: each ommatidium possesses a laminated corneal lens measuring ∼9 μm in diameter and ∼7 μm in thickness, a tetrapartite eucone crystalline cone, which is approximately 5.5 μm long, like a dumbbell with the distal end larger than the proximal end, eight clustered retinula cells ∼25.6 μm in length, two primary pigment cells and eight secondary primary pigment cells. The rhabdomeres of the eight retinula cells form a circular, tiered rhabdom of two elongated and six peripheral retinula cells. The rhabdomeres of cells R7 and R8 are distributed along the basolateral surface of the cone and form a centrally-fused rhabdom that spans nearly the full length of the ommatidium. The microvilli of the peripheral rhabdom (R1–R6) are radially arranged and form a bilobed, V-like shape in the central rhabdom. Based on the similarity of the compound eye of M. moraguesi to the eyes of other predatory insect species, the evolution and function of eyes in predators are briefly discussed.

Обзор насекомых агроценоза хлопчатника восточной части Республики Туркменистан

To date, the high importance of cultivation industrial crops is universally recognized. One of these crops — cotton–plant (Gossypium hirsutum) — is the most important crop grown in Central Asia. The study of the species diversity of insects in crops of agricultural plants, including cotton–plant, is of great practical and theoretical interest, which allows us to assess the phytosanitary condition of crops and to develop a set of measures to improve them. The greatest economic damage to cotton–plant crops is caused by insects, among which are multivivorous (turnip moth, cotton bollworm, aphid, etc.) and specialized (more than 20 species). They damage almost all the organs of a given plant: roots, stems, leaves, generative organs (flowers and fruits) during their formation and maturation. In order to study the species diversity of insects in the cotton–plant agrocenosis under the conditions of the Lebap velayat of the Republic of Turkmenistan in 2019, more than 1000 insect specimens were collected. 12 species belonging to 7 orders and 10 families were identified. In the process of scientific research, predominantly polyphagous pests were recorded, which include two species of grasshoppers, two species of owlet moths, aphids, etc. In addition to pests of this culture, two species of predatory insects were found (European mantis and Bronze Carabid).

STUDY REGARDING THE APHIDOFAGOUS FAUNA STRUCTURE IN THE PEACH ORCHARDS FROM CONSTANTA COUNTY IN 2020

"The cosmopolitan aphid species Myzus persicae is a key pest of peach orchards in south and southeastern Romania. The phenomenon of resistance induced by the intensive use of insecticides is a matter of concern for farmers and protectionists, making necessary integrated measure for the control of this pest. Conservation of natural enemy’s populations is an essential component of any management system proposed for pest aphids. The aim of the study was to determine the structure of predatory insects associated with Myzus persicae populations in peach orchards. The research was carried out in three orchards from two localities from Constanta County, in peach plantations with Springcrest variety aged 7, 11 and 12 years. As a result of this study, there were determined a total of 15 predatory insect species belonging to eight systematic families: Coccinellidae, Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae, Syrphydae, Cecidomyiidae, Panorpidae, Nabidae and Forficulidae, which naturally contribute to the reduction of the green peach aphid populations. "

Abundance and species diversity of predatory arthropods inhabiting rice of refuge habitats and synthetic insecticide application in freshwater swamps in South Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Karenina T, Herlinda S, Irsan C, Pujiastuti Y. 2019. Abundance and species diversity of predatory arthropods inhabiting rice of refuge habitats and synthetic insecticide application in freshwater swamps in South Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 2375-2387. Rice cultivation in freshwater swamps in Indonesia is specific, among other things, there is no synthetic pesticide spraying and vegetable growing on rice field embankments. This specific cultivation technique can affect the abundance and diversity of rice-dwelling arthropods species. The study aimed to compare the abundance and species diversity of predatory arthropods inhabiting rice surrounded both by refugia and vegetables and by those being applied with synthetic insecticide in the rice field of freshwater swamps. This study used rice plots surrounded by refugia flower (Zinnia sp., Tagetes erecta, Cosmo caudatus, and Sesamum indicum); vegetables (Cucumis sativus, Vigna sinensis, Luffa acutangula, and Momordica charantia); untreated; and synthetic insecticide. Twenty-five herbivore species of 12 families, 34 spider species of 8 families, and 24 species of predatory insects of 12 families were found on rice during a planting season. The lowest herbivore population and spider abundance were found on synthetic insecticide sprayed rice and they were significantly different from those of refugia-rice plots. The most abundant spiders and predatory insects were found on rice surrounded by refugia and were not significantly different from those of rice surrounded by vegetables. The highest species diversity for spiders and predatory insects was found on rice surrounded by refugia, whereas the lowest species diversity was found on synthetic pesticide sprayed rice. Therefore, rice surrounded by refugia flowers and vegetables was the most appropriate for habitat and niche of predatory arthropods.

Pest and beneficial insect species detected on broad bean in the Çukurova region of Turkey

Broad bean plants have an important status in human nutrition because they are rich in protein. In this study, harmful and beneficial insect fauna on pods of broad bean were studied in a limited area. The study was carried out in the commercial broad bean production areas in Çukurova region of Turkey between the years 2014-2016. In each survey, 4-8 fields were visited to determine the numbers of pest and predatory insect species. The size of commercial fields sampled varied from 0.5 to 1.0 ha. Sampling was carried out when plants were in the flowering-pod formation stage. Insect species were sampled by beating the plants vigorously into a white plastic container. A total of 14 harmful insects from 4 genera were identified. Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) dominated the pest insect fauna (a total of 444 individuals) accounting 40.07% of the total number of adults. Relatively high numbers of thrips and aphids were determined. A total of 9 predatory insect species from 2 genera were recorded. The most common predatory bug was Orius niger (Wollf) accounting for 76.83% of total adults collected. O. niger was often detected with thrips species on flowers of plants. No damage due to insect pest species detected was observed throughout the sampling periods. This study suggests that growing faba bean in the winter-spring period, especially in agricultural areas having poor plant diversity in the Mediterranean region, could be useful for conservation and augmentation of beneficial insects.

Natural enemies of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) on cotton in Punjab, India

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is a polyphagous pest, widely distributed in diverse agroecosystems across the globe. Several bioagents including predators and parasitoids from diverse groups have been recorded against whitefly worldwide. A field survey was conducted during 2016 and 2017 in different cotton growing districts of Punjab to record the natural enemies associated with whitefly. Sixteen species of natural enemies were recorded, including 7 species of insect predators; 2 species of parasitoids and 7 species of spiders. Coccinella septempunctata Linneaus, Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius) and Brumoides suturalis (Fabricius), Serangium parcesetosum Sicard, Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Peterson), Zanchius breviceps (Wagner), Geocoris sp. and spiders were most commonly recorded predators. Out of these, Chrysoperla was the predominant species. Encarsia lutea (Masi) and Encarsia sophia (Girault & Dodd) were the two parasitoids that emerged from whitefly pupae. The mean parasitization of whitefly by Encarsia spp. in different cotton growing areas of Punjab was 5.20 per cent (range = 1.5 to 9.1 %).

Management of the false carmine cochineal Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell): perspective from Pernambuco state, Brazil

The false carmine cochineal outbreak in the semiarid region of Brazil has caused considerable damage to the cactus production for the last 16 years. Native of Mexico, the false carmine cochineal, Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell), has invaded other countries including recent citations in Morocco and Israel. In some countries, intentional introduction of the false carmine cochineal has been done for biological control of noxious cactus weeds; while, in Brazil, its introduction was apparently for carmine dye production. However, there was a rapid distribution through the semiarid region causing a huge problem for cactus pear production as fodder. The pest problem in Brazil has motivated studies on control alternatives. Farmers have the option to manage this pest with host-plant-resistance or alternative and synthetic insecticides. In addition, knowledge on indigenous predatory insect species with the potential to help suppressing the pest population have been generated, especially the lady beetles Zagreus bimaculosus (Mulsant), Prodiloides bipunctata Weise. Farmers should also be aware of the risks involved in transporting contaminated vegetative material and animals into pest free areas. All these practices can be fully achieved once growers start changing their current practice of cactus growing. It is particularly important for growers to conduct regular inspections in the fields to detect early infestation of the pest. Dealing with small and spatially localized infestations have been proved easier than work on highly infested areas. Cactus can still be a profitable activity if these recommendations are taken seriously.

Attraction of Parastethorus nigripes and other insect species to methyl salicylate and (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate dispensers in a citrus grove and vineyard in south-eastern Australia

Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) play an important role in tritrophic interactions, and have the potential to attract beneficial arthropods into crops to enhance biological control of target pests. We conducted field trials in citrus and grapes to evaluate the response of abundant insect species to two HIPVs, methyl salicylate (MeSa) and (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate. Micromus tasmaniae (Hemerobiidae) showed significant attraction to MeSa, but only in the vineyard trial. Parastethorus nigripes (Coccinellidae) was also attracted to MeSa in the vineyard, but in the second citrus trial the treatment response was just outside the nominal 5% significance level. In the first citrus trial where P. nigripes was not separated taxonomically from the closely related coccinellid Stethorus vagans, a combined analysis was undertaken and significant attraction of both coccinellid species to MeSa was also observed. There was also a significant positive combined response of P. nigripes and S. vagans to (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate in the first citrus trial. Other predatory insect species did not respond to MeSa or (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate. As compared with the vineyard trial, weaker attraction of some insect species in the citrus trials may reflect high levels of background odour in the citrus orchard that could have interfered with normal insect olfactory responses. Our results support previous studies demonstrating coccinellids in the tribe Stethorini are often strongly attracted to MeSa. Deploying MeSa dispensers in vulnerable crops could attract increased numbers of P. nigripes, enhancing the biological control of pest tetranychid mites in Australian horticultural systems and reducing or eliminating the need for miticide applications.

Gut microbiomes of mobile predators vary with landscape context and species identity.

Landscape context affects predator–prey interactions and predator diet composition, yet little is known about landscape effects on insect gut microbiomes, a determinant of physiology and condition. Here, we combine laboratory and field experiments to examine the effects of landscape context on the gut bacterial community and body condition of predatory insects. Under laboratory conditions, we found that prey diversity increased bacterial richness in insect guts. In the field, we studied the performance and gut microbiota of six predatory insect species along a landscape complexity gradient in two local habitat types (soybean fields vs. prairie). Insects from soy fields had richer gut bacteria and lower fat content than those from prairies, suggesting better feeding conditions in prairies. Species origin mediated landscape context effects, suggesting differences in foraging of exotic and native predators on a landscape scale. Overall, our study highlights complex interactions among gut microbiota, predator identity, and landscape context.

Harmonious interaction of kaolin and two insect predator species in plant protection

ABSTRACTLacewings and lady beetles represent two important groups of natural enemies for pest control. Kaolin is used in various crop ecosystems to reduce abiotic plant stressors and pest colonization. Compatible methods aimed at reducing abiotic and biotic plant stressors are desired in crop management systems. Therefore, this work evaluated the development and survival of Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and Eriopis connexa (Germar) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) larvae of different ages treated with kaolin at three different concentrations (ca. 60, 80, and 100 g/L) and prey consumption when treated with kaolin at a field rate of 60 g/L. The prey used were the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and the aphid Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Survival rates and development durations for E. connexa larvae topically treated with kaolin at different ages were similar to those for untreated larvae. However, larvae of C. externa reduced survival and delayed development when treated with kaolin concentrations greater than the recommended field rate. Otherwise, kaolin treatments did not affect prey consumption by larvae and adults of both predator species.

DIETARY SILVER NANOPARTICLES REDUCE FITNESS IN A BENEFICIAL, BUT NOT PEST, INSECT SPECIES.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have antimicrobial and insecticidal properties and they have been considered for their potential use as insecticides. While they do, indeed, kill some insects, two broader issues have not been considered in a critical way. First, reports of insect-lethal AgNPs are often based on simplistic methods that yield nanoparticles of nonuniform shapes and sizes, leaving questions about the precise treatments test insects experienced. Second, we do not know how AgNPs influence beneficial insects. This work addresses these issues. We assessed the influence of AgNPs on life history parameters of two agricultural pest insect species, Heliothis virescens (tobacco budworm) and Trichoplusia ni (cabbage looper) and a beneficial predatory insect species, Podisus maculiventris (spined soldier bug), all of which act in agroecosystems. Rearing the two pest species on standard media amended with AgNPs led to negligible influence on developmental times, pupal weights, and adult emergence, however, they led to retarded development, reductions in adult weight and fecundity, and increased mortality in the predator. These negative effects on the beneficial species, if also true for other beneficial insect species, would have substantial negative implications for continued development of AgNPs for insect pest management programs.

Population Density of The Tortoise Beetle, Cassida vittata, Vill. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and The Role Predators on Sugar Beet at El-beheira Governorate

The study carried out at three districts of El Mahmoudia, Damanhur and Rashid, El Beheira Governorate, Egypt during the two successive seasons 2011/12 and 2012/2013 . Under filed climate, C. vittata was appeared in sugar beet as adults with a few numbers in the last week of December, while eggs were appeared week later.the tortoise beetle C. vettata in all stages observed high numbers in the second season 2012/13 comparative with season 2011/12. On the other hand, only five species of insect predators were recorded on the sugar beet crop during the survey period. The dominant one of the predators was C. undecimpunctata adults which observed with high number and for long time. Temperature was effected negatively significant on C. vettata in the first season more than in the second while related humidity not observed any effect in the pest population during the two successive seasons.