Effects of temperature on development, fecundity and life table parameters of Adalia bipunctata (Col: Coccinellidae), the predator of Agonoscena pistaciae(Hom,:Aphalaridae.)

The common pistachio psyllid, Agonoscena pistaciae, is known as a key pistachio pest in Iran. The two spotted coccinellid, Adalia bipunctata was reported as a psyllophagous beetle and the most abundant predator in pistachio plantations of Rafsanjan, south of Iran. The present research was carried out to examine the influence of temperature on biological parameters of A. bipunctata using psyllid nymphs as diet and under controlled conditions e.g., constant temperatures (ranged from 17.5 to 35°C), 55±5% r.h. and 16L:18D. The reproduction, developmental thresholds, thermal constant and the intrinsic rate of natural increase of this ladybird were all tested. The lower threshold for A. bipunctata while fed on nymphs of A. pistaciae was estimated 13.1. Thermal constant for development of this ladybird from egg to adult was obtained 200°DD (Degree-Day) while reared on nymphs of A. pistaciae. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) and finite capacity for increase were obtained 0.172 and 1.19 respectively. Based on present results, A. pistaciae is considered as a suitable diet for this ladybird.