Biology, incidence, and predatory activity of orange coccinellid, Chilochorus circumdata, Coleoptera: Coccinelidae

Issue Date

10-2008

Abstract

The biology, incidence and predatory activities of orange coccinellid, Chilochorus circumdata, were studied to caharcterize the morphology of the insect in its various life stages, assess its seasonal abundance and evaluate its predatory potential. The study was conducted in Indang, Cavite for two years. Laboratory tests were done to develop a technique for mass-rearing scale insects for use as food for coccinellids. Field collection of coccinellids feeding on coffee scale insects was done for one year. Eggs are deposited singly or in groups, which hatch in 4.27 days on the average, with 86% hatchability. There are four larval instars with maximum body length and width of 6 mm and1.4 mm, respectively. Pupal body measurements range from 6.9 to 7.3 mm long and 3.93 mm wide, pupal period lasts for 6-8 days. The adults are light yellow to orange in color with an average body length of 4.97 mm and width of 4.7 mm. The predator prefers to feed on scale insects and mealy bugs. The predators feed on 29 to 74% of the hemispherical scales, 33 to 84% of the grey mealy bugs offered to them. An adult is able to consume 19 scale insects per day or an average of 130 insects during its adult life.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

22

Issue

2

Page

208

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

COCCINELLIDAE; COLEOPTERA; PESTS; PLANT PESTS; LIFE CYCLE; PREDATION

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