Biological study of the coccinellid predator, Stethorus punctllum under different constant temperatures.

Abstract

The ladybeetle, Stethorus punctillum Wiese (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera), is one of the common predators for the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Koch.). When this predator was reared under different constant temperatures (15, 25 and 35°C), the duration of all stages decreased with increasing temperature. The optimum rearing temperature for this predator under laboratory conditions was found to be 25°C. When the predator feed on alternative food source we found that no oviposition was recorded on any alternative foods, therefore, no eggs were deposited. There were difference in adult S. punctillum longevity associated with different alternative food they feed, the longest period recorded was 12.70 days when the predator feed on a mixture of honey droplets, pollen grains and royal jelly. The shortest periods recorded was 3.75 days when the predator was starved or 3.90 days when feed on aphid.