Investigation into Biological Parameters and Peredatism Trend of Cybocephalus fodori minor (Coleoptera: Cybocephalidae) on Lepidosaphes pistaciae (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in Isfahan Province

The species, Cybocephalus fodori minor End. (Col.: Cybocephalidae) was first reported in Iran named predatory beetle of pistachio oystershell scale, Lepidosaphes pistaciae Arch.(Hom.: Diaspididae)in Isfahan province in 2001.This study was carried out to investigate some bioecological and behavioral charachteristics of the beetle, C. fodori minor, and its predation rate on L. pistaciae in Isfahan under natural conditions from November 2005 to November 2006. Also, the predation rate of this predatory beetle on pistachio oystershell scale was seperately investigated on the surface of leaves, twigs (including 1-year and 2-year old branches) and fruits with weekly sampling and counting of live scales and feeding signs of this predator on cover of scales. This species overwintered as adult under the bark of pistachio trees. These beetles completed three generations in cages outside the laboratory (in natural conditions) during March until late November 2006. The activity of this predatory beetle resulted in 20.81, 39.18 and 42.01% of predation on L. pistaciae settled on twig, leaf and fruit, respectively.