Journal of Pest Science (2010) 83, 339-345

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Anegunda S. Dinesh, Melally G. Venkatesha and Sompalyam Ramakrishna (2010)
Development, life history characteristics and behaviour of mealybug predator, Spalgis epeus (Westwood) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) on Planococcus citri (Risso) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae)
Journal of Pest Science 83 (3), 339-345
Abstract: The development of immature stages, life history and behaviour of mealybug predator, Spalgis epeus (Westwood) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) reared on mealybugs, Planococcus citri (Risso) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) was studied in the laboratory. Larvae of S. epeus are a potential predator of different species of mealybugs in India. The predator completed its life cycle in 23.8 days with four larval instars. Mean incubation period of egg was 3.9 days. Mean duration of development of larval stages, prepupa and pupa was 9.4, 0.9 and 9.5 days, respectively. The first and last instar larvae measured 1.9 and 11.4 mm in length, respectively. Length and width were not significantly correlated in larvae. Head capsule width was not significantly correlated with larval length in any instar. The female-to-male sex ratio was 1.45:1. Adults were ready for mating one day after eclosion. The pairs remained in copula on an average of 61.3 min. The gravid female contained 74.6 eggs in the ovaries. Unfed butterflies (both males and females) lived 3-4 days, significantly shorter than those with access to water (6-7 days). The results of this study will be useful to utilize the predator as a biocontrol agent.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Melally Giddegowda Venkatesha

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial Pest/Disease/Weed Crop/Product Country Quarant.


Planococcus citri
Spalgis epeus (predator) Planococcus citri India
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