The age-stage two sex life table and population projection of Atheta coriaria feed on Lycoreilla auripila and Drosophila melanogaster

Fungus gnat, Lycoreilla auripila Winnertz, 1867 (Dip.: Sciaridae) has been considered as one of the most serious threat of cultivated mushrooms, which extensive sprayings against it occur each year. In this study, the age-stage two sex life table of A. coriaria feed on second instar larvae of  L. auripila and D. melanogaster were studied at 25±1°C, 60 ± 10% R.H. and a photoperiod of 16: 8 (L: D) hrs. According to obtained results, the net reproduction rate (R0) were 9.475 ± 1.459, 7.812 ± 1.292 offsprings and intrinsic rate of increase (r) were reported as 0.059 ± 0.004, 0.052 ± 0.004 day -1 on second instar larvae ofL. auripila and  D. melanogaster, respectively. Population simulation based on the age-stage two- sex life table showed the age structure of A. coriaria and high growth rate of this predator on both prey types. As the first study of the A. coriaria life table feed on L. auripila and D. melanogaster, it contributes to show the potential and importance of this predator in mushroom production. Additionally, it stressed that common fruit fly larvae could be used as a factitious prey for development and reproduction of A. coriaria.