Biological parameters and preferential feeding response of Coccinella undecimpunctata L. on three aphid species

Abstract

Laboratory study was carried out in the department of Entomology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam Pakistan during winter season from December 2009 to March 2010, to investigate the Biological parameters and preferential feeding response of Coccinella undecimpunctata (L) against aphid species. For this purpose fully matured Coccinella undecimpunctata (L) was reared on three aphids species such as maize aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis (F), alfalfa, Therioaphis trifolii and mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (K). Results revealed that both adult and grubs of C. undecimpunctata (L) had significant feeding potential on all aphid species but highest feeding potential was recorded on alfalfa aphid than mustard and maize aphids respectively period under studied, because of its higher survivorship comparatively than on other aphid species.