Mass Multiplication of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) on Non Traditional Hosts

Studies were carried out in search of an alternate host, which was ecofriendly and easy to mass-produce the predator. Tribolium castaneum larva and Drosophila melanogaster larva were identified as better alternate hosts for mass multiplication of the predator. Chrysoperla carnea larva reared on T. castaneum larvae underwent a high incubation period (5.25-6.13 days), high prepupal period (1.13-1.89 days) and pupal period (10.88-13.50 days) compared to those fed with Corcyra cephalonica eggs which remained in incubation for 3.79-4.83 days, with prepupal and pupal period of 0.29-0.84 and 7.66-9.13 days, respectively. Larval period (7.50-8.75 days) was however, significantly at par. Highest adult longevity (females- 46.00 to 54.54 days, male- 25.13 to 35.38 days) and fecundity (881.80 to 1061.00 eggs) was observed when larvae were fed with T. castaneum larvae. When C. cephalonica was used as a larval diet, adult longevity varied from 23.50-28.71 for males and 34.50-44.43 for females. Fecundity ranged from 505.83-770.57 during different generations. Even though, D. melanogaster larva, proved as an inferior host compared to C. cephalonica eggs, could be recommended as a better alternate host because of its fast multiplication, cheaper production and harmlessness to workers.