Biology of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri mulsant on solenopsis mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis tinsley

The biological aspects of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant on Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley were studied under laboratory conditions. The average incubation and total periods were 4.40 and 18.05 days, respectively. The pre-pupal, pupal and total development periods were 2.30, 8.95 and 32.75 days, respectively. The pre-oviposition, oviposition and post oviposition periods were 7.40, 45.70 and 7.60 days, respectively. Males lived longer than females with life cycle duration of 99.20 and 93.10 days, respectively. The mean fecundity was 99.70 eggs per female and sex ratio (Male: female) was 1:1.25. The per cent hatchability and adult emergence observed were 80 and 90, respectively.