Department of Entomology, Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur - 176062, Himachal Pradesh, (India).
Biology and feeding potential of Coccinella septempunctata Linn. was studied under laboratory conditions on Brevicoryne brassicae Linn. The average maximum and minimum temperature during experimental period was 32.13° and 29.63°C. The predator was observed to pass through four larval instars. On an average 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th instars lasted for 2.0 ± 0.35, 1.67 ± 0.31, 1.33 ± 0.18 and 2.33 ± 0.25 days. The fecundity was recorded as 466.00 ± 1.97 eggs. The individual larvae consumed 291.65 ± 1.19 aphid nymphs to complete the larval duration and an adult consumed on an average 141.33 ± 1.78 aphid nymphs/day.
