Lotfalizadeh, H., Hatami, B., & Khalaghani, J. 2000 Biology of Exochomus quadripustulatus (L.) (Col.: Coccinellidae) on cypress tree mealybug, Planococcus vovae (Nasanov) (Hom.: Pseudococcidae) in Shiraz.. Journal of Entomological Society of Iran 20(1): 61-76.

Notes: The biology of E. quadripustulatus (L.) was studied on P. vovae (Nasanov) at 25+-2degreeC. Incubation period averaged 5.9 days. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th larval instars averaged 3.37, 2.93, 6.17 and 8.50 days, respectively and the total was 20.97 days. Pupal period lasted 6.13 days. The total developmental time averaged 34.47 days. For studying population dynamics, in each sampling 50 infested branches of cypress tree were shook and adults were counted and its diagram was drawn. Its density was low during summer months. Careful microscopic examination of ventral side of the abdomen revealed sexual difference in every case. This univoltine coccinellid had an obligatory estival diapause in Shiraz. Adults had variations in colour pattern during a life cycle. In this research. 70.1% of eggs on cypress tree were deposited in small groups of one to five in mealybugs ovisacs. In addition, there is a strong preference for fine mesh in rearing units for oviposition and 73.57% of eggs were laid in this position in large groups of 13.