Effect of aphid species on development and morphometrics of Menochilus sexmaculatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) under laboratory conditions

Abstract

Menochilus sexmaculatus (Fab.) is a potential biocontrol agent that is commonly used in augmentative release programs and necessitates more ecological and biological data information. The experiment was conducted to determine the consequences of different aphid species (Aphis nerii, Lipaphis erysimi and Bervicoryne brassicae) on development and morphometrics of Menochilus sexmaculatus at the laboratory of Biocontrol, Department of Entomology, Faculty of Crop Protection, Sind Agriculture University Tando Jam, Sindh, Pakistan during 2018. The longest development period Menochilus sexmaculatus female and male were observed on A. nerii 39.00±2.08 and 30.33±1.20 days followed by B. brassicae 38.00±1.53 and 30.33±0.33 days and L. erysimi 34.33±1.20 and 27.33±0.88 days, respectively. The longest length and breadth (mm) of larval instars from 1st to 4th instar were recorded on A. nerii. Where in the pupal stage it was recorded on L. erysimi but in the female and male adult stages of Menochilus sexmaculatus Fab. was recorded on L. erysimi, respectively. The ANOVA showed a significant (P