Observations on the biology and larval chaetotaxy of Pania (Oenopia) luteopustulata (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Abstract

Observations on the biology of Pania luteopustulata (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) had been made at Mangan (Sikkim) and its surroundings. Here, it had been collected in association with the herb - Artemisia vulgaris Linnaeus, feeding upon the aphid - Aphis kurosawai Takahashi. Mating, oviposition and adult behaviour of this predator had been studied. It bred actively from March to August and it took about 27-30 days to develop from egg to adult. Larval setal maps of fourth instar larvae have been presented and differences with other larval instars have been tabulated.