Regional Coffee Research Station, Kalpetta, Coffee Board, P.O. Chundale, Wayanad-673 123, Kerala (India).
Predatory potential of Spalgius epius Westwood on coffee mealy bugs complex comprising Planococcus citri (Risso), P. lilacinus (Cockerell) and Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell) was studied in the field. The extent of predation varied from 54.72–68.38 per cent on mealy bug species. This suggests to exploit its potential as a biocontrol agent in managing the population of these serious mealy bug pests on coffee.
