Development and consumption capacity of Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) (Neuroptera, Chrysopidae) fed with Cinara spp. (Hemiptera, Aphididae) under three temperatures

Abstract

The giant conifer aphids Cinara pinivora (Wilson, 1919) and Cinara atlantica (Wilson, 1919) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are pests on Pinus spp. (Pinaceae) in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil. Larvae of Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861) (Neuroptera, Chrysopidae) were observed feeding voraciously on these aphid colonies. In order to evaluate their potential as biological control agents, some biological parameters and their consumption capacity were studied in laboratory. Ten larvae were isolated in plastic vials and fed with aphids of small size (nymphs of 1st and 2nd instars) and 10 with aphids of medium size (nymphs of 3rd and 4th instars), maintained at 15ºC, 20ºC and 25ºC, under 12:12 h photoperiod and 70 ± 10% RH, and observed daily. The egg incubation period was nine days at 20ºC and four days at 25ºC. The mean larval development period for C. externa was 59.5 days; 22.3 days and 10.9 days, respectively at 15ºC, 20ºC and 25ºC. The pupal stage last 23.2 at 20ºC and 11.1 days at 25ºC. Unfortunately, data of egg and pupal development at 15ºC are not available because the rearing chamber overheated. The mortality rate from egg to adult was 46.2% 46.6% and 20.2% at 15ºC, 20ºC and 25ºC, respectively. The average aphid consumption of each C. externa larva to complete its development was 499.1; 341.7 and 215.1 small aphids, and 126.4; 105.6 and 67.0 medium aphids, at 15ºC, 20ºC and 25ºC, respectively. About 80% of the total food consumption was by the 3rd instar larvae. Although the development was faster and viability higher at 25ºC than at the other two temperatures, the consumption was the highest at 15ºC because the larval period was much longer. Therefore, the larvae of C. externa can be regarded as potential biological control agents of Cinara spp. throughout the year and even in cool areas of Southern Brazil during some periods o the year

Life table of Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) reared on Melanaphis sacchari (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

“…Adults feed on nectar, pollen or honey produced by insects (Loera et al 2001). They are easy to breed in laboratories (Cardoso and Lazzari 2003).…”

Effect of temperature on the interaction between Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and Sipha flava (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

“…Cardoso & Lazzari (2003), studying the development of the larvae of this lacewing from the region of Curitiba in the southern state of Paraná, fed on Cinara spp. (Hemiptera: Aphididae), record an average larval duration of 59.5 days at 15°C, twice the duration recorded in the present study at nearly the same temperature (16°C and 29.4 days on average).…”

“…The much higher consumption of prey in the third instar of C. externa is a general phenomenon in chrysopids and is also reported in studies in which this predator was fed Rhodobium porosum (Sanderson) (López, 1996), Cinara spp. (Cardoso & Lazzari, 2003), R. maidis (Maia et al, 2004) and Hyadaphis foeniculi (Passerini) (Lira & Batista, 2006) and regardless of the prey . This also occurs in Chrysopa quadripunctata Burmeister and Chrysopa rufilabris Burmeister fed on Monellia caryella (Fitch) (Liao et al, 1985).…”

Effect of Feeding Two Predacious Insects on Aphids Treated With Some Entomopathogens

“…Larvae of C. carnea are efficient predator as bio control tool predators against many key pests including aphids, whiteflies, young larvae and eggs of Lepidoptera, spider mites and other soft bodied arthropods (Cardoso and Lazzari, 2003). It can be mass reared in the laboratory and released against pests in field and greenhouses (Mirnoayedi, 2001).…”