Biology and feeding potential of giant ladybird beetle, Anisolemnia Dilatata (Fab.) (coleoptera: coccinellidae) on som aphids (Aiceona sp.) (hemiptera: aphididae)

Laboratory experiments on biology and feeding efficiency of giant ladybird beetle (Anisolemnia dilatata) were conducted at the Department of Agricultural Entomology, UBKV, West Bengal, india in 2016. For development of beetles temperature at 24±1ºC, RH 65±2% and 16: 8 L: D photoperiod was provided. The incubation period, larval period, pre-pupal, pupal and adult periods were 5.25±0.26, 11.86±0.78, 1.55±0.38 and 4.47±0.44 days, respectively. The feeding potential of A. dilatata was also studied on som aphid (Aiceona sp.). Total amount of aphids consumed by an individual A. dilatata during its total larval period was recorded 632.44±11.78 mg, the long life span and great predation capacity of A. dilatata on som aphid, Aiceona sp. suggested that giant ladybird beetle may perform well when released as a biological control agent against this pest.