M'Hamed, T.B., & Chemseddine, M. 1996 Laboratory study of some biological potentialities of Pullus mediterraneus (Col., Coccinellidae).. Entomophaga 41: 59-62.
Notes: Some biological potentialities of Pullus mediterraneus (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) were studied under controlled conditions. Eggs were laid under carapaces of Saissetia oleae, which is an important pest of olive trees in Morocco. The eclosion of eggs occurred after more than 36 days at 7 deg C, but no more than 1.7 days at 30 deg C. The eclosion rate of eggs exceeded 80% between 20 and 30 deg C. In homogeneous juvenile populations fed with aphids, 4 instars were distinguished on the basis of the width of the cephalic capsule. Mortality rate was low at all temperatures tested. It did not exceed 25% at 20 deg C and decreased considerably at 30 deg C when S. mediterraneus fed on aphids.