Biology of Mallada boninensis (Okamoto) [Chrysopidae: Neuroptera] on Aphids and Neonate Noctuids

The chrysopids have emerged as strong and potent bio-control agents and the result oriented researches are further needed to conclusively ascertain their efficiency in the integrated pest management program. Hence, the investigations were made on Mallada boninensis (Okamoto) [Chrysopidae: Neuroptera] to know their efficiency on neonates of lepidopteran pests and aphids for better management. Laboratory experiments were conducted to know the biology of Mallada boninensis on nymphs of aphids like Aphis craccivora, Aphis gossypii and Rhopalosiphum maidis from different crops viz., cowpea, cotton and sorghum respectively and neonates of lepidopteran pests like Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera litura and Earias vitella under controlled room temperature (24 ± 2p C) and relative humidity (60 ± 5%) during 2011–2012. Overall points showed that eggs of Corcyra cephalonica was superior over all treatments followed by sucking pests for all biological parameters. It was found that total larval (16.95, 15.60, 16.39), pupal (12.32, 13.57, 14.91), pre oviposition (16.33, 14.85, 15.60) and incubation period (5.90, 5.20, 5.97) days when larvae reared on neonates of Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera litura and Earias vitella, respectively. Male and female longevity of predator was found superior for neonates of Spodoptera litura (21.16, 35.58) followed by H. armigera (18.11, 34.41) and Earias vitella (19.61, 33.35) days. Reproductive potential was recorded as 84.66, 94.50, 91.16 eggs/female of M. boninensis when its larvae fed with neonates of H. armigera, S. litura and E. vitella, respectively. The study revealed that neonates of lepidopteran pests were used as substitute for rearing of M. boninensis in the laboratory.