Some Biological Characteristics of Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) Reared on Brevicoryne brassicae L. and Eggs of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller

The spotted amber ladybird, Hippodamia variegata (Col.: Coccinellidae) is one of the most prominent coccinellid predators in Iran. It is omnivorous and feed on aphids and psylla. The effects of two diets Brevicoryne brassicae L. (Hemiptera: Aphididae)and eggs of Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on some biological aspects of Hippodamia variegata (goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were studied in the laboratory (27.5±2 ºC, 55±5% relative humidity (R.H.) and a 16:8 h L:D). Developmental time at egg to adult on the above-mentioned diets was 13.29± 0.39 and 14.72± 0.27 days, respectively. The total larval period (including the larva 1, 2, 3 and 4 instar) varied from 7.76 ± 0.41 to 10.23± 0.27 days for B. brassica and E. kuehniella, respectively. Larval survival rate of the first instars of H. variegata was lower and mortality persent was greater in either aphids or E. kuenilla eggs diet. The results showed that no significant differences in embryonic development and pupal stage of H. variegata were detected when fed on either two diets but developmental duration of each instar significantly changed when fed on both diets as well as total larval developmental duration. The results indicated that B. brassicae is more suitable host for rearing this ladybird.