Feeding potential and development of Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) on Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) under no-choice conditions

Purpose: Considering the predatory effectiveness of Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), studies were carried out at National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan to determine the feeding potential and developmental period of its larval instars on Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae).

Research Method: Eggs, 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd nymphal instars and adults of P. marginatus was provided to all three larval instars of C. carnea in a Completely Randomized Design experiment, replicated ten times.

Findings: Results indicated that all C. carnea larval instars were found to feed on all P. marginatus stages. Overall mean consumption of C. carnea larvae on P. marginatus eggs, 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd instar nymphs, and adults was 1359.8, 1409.1, 1012.4, 1165.7 and 130.30 individuals, respectively. Third instar C. carnea larvae was more voracious than 2nd and 1st instars. The shortest developmental period (12.40±0.37 days) of C. carnea larvae was recorded on 3^rd nymphal instar of P. marginatus. Moreover, C. carnea larvae took 14.90±0.23, 14.00±0.25, 13.10±0.23, and 13.60±0.34 days on eggs, first, second nymphal instars and adults of P. marginatus, respectively to complete their development.

Originality/value: Therefore, it is suggested that C. carnea should be included as a key component in the integrated management of P. marginatus, especially its 3^rd larval instar