Effects of larval diet on Chrysopa rufilabris [Predators of insect pests, biological control]

Larvae of the polyphagous predator Chrysopa rufilabris Burmeister were reared at constant temperature on several prey regimes including: Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera), Drosophila melanogaster Meigan (Diptera), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera), and several aphid species. As adults the test lacewings were all maintained on a similar diet comprised of a water paste of Wheast® and sucrose. Larval diet significantly affected larval mortality, developmental rate, and adult weight, but did not affect adult body length. Under the test conditions, the aphid and Phthorimaea regimes were superior to either Drosophila or Tribolium as larval diets for C. rufilabris. Apparently, prey species which stimulate a high feeding rate in C. rufilabris may even so be nutritionally inadequate.