Observation on the Biology of the Coccinellid Predator, Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius) on Aphis craccivora

Observation on the biology of Cheilomenes sexmaculata on Aphis craccivora concluded that the average pre oviposition period was around 3.52±0.18 days, and average fecundity was 20.04±0.28 eggs/female at 27°C and 70–80% relative humidity. Mean egg period ranged between 1.68±0.16 days; developmental period of I, II, III and IV instars was 1.6±0.15, 1.2±0.08, 1.48±0.11 and 4.24±0.15 days, respectively; and the average pupal period was observed to be 2.68±0.14 days. The measurement of eggs, different instars of grubs, pupae and adults were also recorded.