BioControl (2005) 50, 223-233

D.C. Kontodimas and G.J. Stathas (2005)
Phenology, fecundity and life table parameters of the predator Hippodamia variegata reared on Dysaphis crataegi
BioControl 50 (2), 223-233
Abstract: Phenological and some biological characteristics of Hippodamia (Adonia) variegata (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), such as voltinism, hibernation, number of progeny produced by each generation, mating activity and sex ratio were studied, in order to evaluate the significance of this predator. The study of phenology was conducted in outdoor cages in Kifissia (Athens), during 1999--2001 and as prey was given Dysaphis crataegi (Kaltenbach). Hippodamia variegata completed seven generations between April and November. The hibernating population of H. variegata consisted of adults of 6th and 7th generations. The fecundity of the predator was studied under constant conditions [25 °C, 65% R.H. and 16:8(L:D)h photoperiod] in the laboratory and some population parameters were calculated: The total fecundity ranged between 789 and 1256 eggs, while the mean total fecundity was 959.6 eggs. The greatest proportion of eggs (45%) was oviposited in clutches of 11--20 eggs. The net reproductive value (R0) was found to be 425.9 females/female, the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) 0.178 females/female/day and the mean generation time (T) 34.0 days.
(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): Dimitris C. Kontodimas

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

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Dysaphis crataegi		Greece
Hippodamia variegata (predator)	Dysaphis crataegi		Greece