First attempt to develop a rearing method for the native green lacewing Chrysoperla lucasina in Tunisia

Abstract

Green lacewing (Chrysoperla lucasina) is well known for its polyphagous predator larvae which are commonly used in pest’s biological control worldwide. In Tunisia, this auxiliary occurs in the nature in association with several pests but it has never been mass reared and released in biological control programs. Hence, the chrysopid species C. lucasina was chosen for an attempt of rearing in order to strengthen its natural populations. The study was carried out in the insectarium of the company ControlMed specialized in Trichogramma parasitoid production. All equipment used for green lacewing larvae and adult rearing was newly designed for this study. Two diets were given to larvae and adults to assess their biological performances. The first diet was based on pollen for adults and eggs of Ephestia kuehniella for larvae. The second diet consisting of a pasty mixture of honey, yeast and eggs of E. kuehniella, was supplied to adults and larvae. The laboratory rearing conditions were kept constant with 26 ± 2°C, 65 ± 5% RH and a photoperiod of 16L: 8D. The diets based on pollen and E. kuehniella eggs gave the best biological parameters for both adults and larvae. This study which allowed to design a simple technique to rear green lacewing based on affordable material, is a first step for developing a mass rearing of chrysopids in Tunisia. However, further improvements are required for adult and larvae diets to increase reproductive and developmental performance, as well as an economic feasibility study.