Life history of a widespread Neotropical predator, Chrysopodes ( Chrysopodes) lineafrons (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

Our study focused on a predaceous species in one of the most diverse, but poorly investigated Neotropical lacewing genera: Chrysopodes. Members of this genus have several traits that characterize valuable natural enemies and studies of their life histories are needed to assess their potential usefulness in biological control. In outdoor rearings in southeastern Brazil, Chrysopodes ( Chrysopodes) lineafrons Adams and Penny underwent development and reproduction without interruption or dormancy; it produced eight full generations in slightly more than one year (375 days). Under a series of constant temperatures between 28.5 and 18 °C, the life cycle (oviposition—adult emergence) ranged from 27 to 64 days, whereas a constant temperature slightly below 15 °C prevented development. Developmental rates were linearly related to temperature; preimaginal development was completed within 470 degree-days above a lower thermal threshold of 10.7 °C; the rates of development under fluctuating temperatures outdoors closely reflected the developmental responses to constant temperatures indoors. Reproductive performance appeared highest at 25 °C; at this temperature, females oviposited 10 days after emergence, at a rate of ∼9 eggs per day, for a total of ∼200 eggs per individual. A comparison of Ch. ( Ch.) lineafrons with other green lacewing species indicated that this predator has potential as a native natural enemy in Neotropical orchards and may be readily amenable to continuous mass-rearing.