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The predation of Chrysoperla carnea (Neurop., Chrysopidae) on eggs and larvae of Mamestra brassicae (Lep., Noctuidae)
Author(s) -
Klingen I.,
Johansen N. S.,
Hofsvang T.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
journal of applied entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.795
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1439-0418
pISSN - 0931-2048
DOI - 10.1111/j.1439-0418.1996.tb01620.x
Subject(s) - biology , chrysoperla carnea , instar , chrysopidae , predation , larva , noctuidae , botany , horticulture , neuroptera , ecology
In the present study the predation rate of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) on eggs and larvae of the lepidopterous species Mamestra brassicae (L.) was investigated including the prey's influence on survival and development. The experiments were done at 20 ± 1°C and L:D = 16:8. C. carnea larvae were fed on eggs and first instar larvae of M. brassicae , respectively. In both cases the daily predation rate of C. carnea increased slowly during the two first instars and reached a peak in the third larval instar. During the third instar 87% and 85% of the total numbers of M. brassicae eggs and larvae, respectively, were consumed. C. carnea preyed on a mean total of 312 M. brassicae eggs and 232 M. brassicae larvae during its larval development. The mean daily predation rate of C. carnea reached a maximum of 106.6 eggs of M. brassicae and 46.1 larvae of M. brassicae. C. carnea consumed a total of 32 mg of M. brassicae eggs and 70 mg of M. brassicae larvae during its larval development. The developmental time of C. carnea fed on M. brassicae eggs and larvae was 27.4 and 21.5 days, respectively. Almost 10% of C. carnea died when reared on M. brassicae eggs and 15% died when reared on M. brassicae larvae. The quality aspect of the prey is discussed.