Marques, C.E.M., Lima, M.S., Melo, J.W.S., Barros, R., & Paranhos, B.A.J. 2015 Evaluation of i>Ferrisia dasylirii (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and Non-Prey Foods on the Development, Reproduction, and Survival of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). The Coleopterists Bulletin

Keywords:

natural enemies

Notes: The lady beetle Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant has been observed in association with several mealybug species. However, only a subset of these species is considered essential food for C. montrouzieri, capable of supporting the beetle’s growth and reproduction. This study evaluated the suitability of the striped mealybug, errisia dasylirii (Cockerell), as prey for C. montrouzieri by determining the beetle’s developmental time and predation capacity. Our results established that C. montrouzieri can successfully develop and reproduce when fed exclusively with F. dasylirii, which could easily support mass rearing of C. montrouzieri in the laboratory.