FEEDING POTENTIAL OF CRYPTOLAEMUS MONTROUZIERI (MULSANT) ON MEALY BUG MACONELLICOCCUS HIRSUTUS (GREEN) UNDER CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF KONKAN, MAHARASHTRA (INDIA)

摘要

Study of feeding potential of C. montrouzieh on nymphs of mealy bug, M. hirsutus in winter season, the grub consumed a total of 306.6 ± 10.79 nymphs during its developmental period of 17.00 ± 3.49 days. The male beetles devoured on an average 585.60± 5.44 nymphs during the longevity period of 35.10 ± 2.12 days. The female beetle consumed on an average 345.60 ± 3.56 nymphs with in longevity period of 46.70 ± 2.49 days. Whereas, in summer the grub consumed a total of 315.1 ± 12.91 nymphs duringits developmental period of 17.60 ± 4.32 days when reared on M, hirsutus. The male beetles devoured on an average 606.9 ± 12.68 nymphs in the longevity period of 36.30 ± 3.55 days on M. hirsutus. The female beetle consumed on an average 349.1 ± 3.30nymphs in the longevity period of 47.10 ± 2.11 days. During winter, first to forth instar of C. montrouzieri consumed on an average 27.70 ± 7.72 adult mealy bugs in the longevity period of 16.1 ± 4.59 days whereas, adult male and female of C. montrouzieri consumed 49.2 ± 3.66 and53.90 ± 4.66 adult mealy bugs, respectively.