Rearing Chrysoperla externa Larvae on Artificial Diets

Abstract

We tested three artificial diets for rearing larvae of Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), aiming at reducing the production costs of this predator. Two of the diets come from studies with other species of lacewings, and the third is a modification described in this paper. All diets were based on animal protein and were supplied to 2nd and 3rd instar larvae, whereas 1st instar larvae received eggs of Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). We evaluated the preimaginal duration and survival, adult size, longevity and fecundity, egg hatchability, and predatory capacity of larvae produced. The performance of the diets was followed for seven generations. The diet we describe showed to be the best among the artificial diets tested. Our results show that C. externa can be successfully reared on artificial diets during second and third instars, reducing in 90% the dependency on eggs of A. kuehniella.

Yellow mutant of the Neotropical green lacewing Chrysoperla externa: trait inheritance and predator performance

“…In particular, the two color morphs were indistinguishable with respect to developmental and predation rates. The development and reproductive output of both morphs fed on eggs of E. kuehniella are consistently similar to recorded outcomes from previous reports in the literature (Bortoli et al, 2006;Tavares et al, 2011;Tapaj os et al, 2016;Bezerra et al, 2017). Likewise, approximately equal consumption of DBM larvae by 6-day-old lacewing larvae during a circadian period was observed in both morphs.…”

Is a diet of Planococcus citri nymphs and adults suitable for Chrysoperla externa for use in biological control?

“…The predator biological response is one of the measures of the adequacy of the trophic interaction among plant-herbivore-natural enemy, and should be considered when recommending the predator for population reduction of the target arthropod. Thus, our results reiterate the importance of offering E. kuehniella eggs to first instar C. externa larvae, already emphasized by Bezerra et al (2017), who studied the effects of an artificial diet on the larval and reproductive development of C. externa. The nutritional quality of E. kuehniella eggs was also considered responsible for the reduction in development time, high survival and egg production by C. externa (Carvalho and Souza, 2009;Morando et al, 2014;Garzón et al, 2015).…”

“…In general, for grower adoption and successful outcomes of biological control using predators, depends on the positive results of studies that can support the success of the releases. In the case of lacewings, there is scientific evidence that first instar larvae are very demanding in terms of type of consumed prey (Bezerra et al, 2017). Thus, in addition to the greater predatory capacity of more developed instars, the affinity with the target prey is ought to be considered.…”

Morphology of the male and female reproductive tracts of virgin and mated Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

“…To date, the knowledge on C . externa is restricted to its life cycle (Albuquerque, Tauber, & Tauber, 1994; Fonseca, Carvalho, Cruz, Souza, & Ecole, 2015), predatory capacity (Gamboa, Souza, & Morales, 2016; Salamanca, Devia, & Amaya, 2010), and laboratory mass rearing (Bezerra, Amaral, & Souza, 2017). Surprisingly, there are poor data about the reproductive tract of Chrysopidae, which was described in the pioneering study by Stitz (1909) for Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens, 1835) and Chrysopa septempunctata Wesmael, 1841 (Principi, 1949), Chrysopa oculata Say, 1839 (Hwang & Bickley, 1961), and Chrysopa perla (Linnaeus, 1758) (Philippe, 1972).…”