The Effect of Four Different Diets on Some Biological Parameters of the Green Lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Steph.) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) Under Laboratory Conditions

Since the present pest control strategies aimed at reduced pesticide applications and implementation of various biocontrol measures, it is necessary to know the potentiality of beneficial insects and the role of nutrition on their abilities. In this research, the effect of four dietsincluding Sitotroga cerealella eggs, S. cerealella (adult) dead bodies, Aphis gossypii (nymphs) and Planococcus citri (nymphs) were studied on some biological parameters of the green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea under laboratory conditions. The eggs of predators were collected from tomato and cucurbit fields of Gorgan. To establish a laboratory colony, the larvae were reared for five successive generations on the eggs of Anagasta kuehniella. The larvae were individually reared on above-mentioned feeding regimes at 26 ± 2oC, 60 ± 5% RH and a photoperiod of 16: 8 (L: D) conditions. Adults were fed pairly on sucrose and yeast in P.V.C. tubes. The results showed that the larval and pupal periods at rearing on the eggs of Sitotroga cerealella and Aphis gossypii decreased and the mortality of the larvae was reduced in comparison with those reared on dead bodies of S.cerealella and nymphs of Planoccus citri. Hence, these diets were recognized suitable food regimes for rearing lacewing. The kind of food had no significant effect on biological parameters of adults. The unsuitability of adult dead bodies due to physical characters and sticky body of citrus mealy bug caused adverse effects on larval development and their survival. Therefore, they were not appropriate food for rearing the green lacewing.