Description, Morphometric and Duration of Various Life-Stages of Australian Ladybird Beetle, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Investigations on description, morphometric and duration of various life-stages of Australian ladybird beetle, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant was undertaken during the year 2010 to 2011. Results revealed that females of the predator laid eggs either singly or in clusters of 2 to 6 in number. Eggs were faint yellow in colour, cylindrical in shape with both the ends rounded. Fecundity of female ranged from 157 to 172 with an average of 164.96 ± 4.20 eggs. Duration of first, second, third and fourth instar larvae ranged from 2 to 4, 2 to 3, 3 to 4 and 3 to 5 days. Total larval period ranged from 11 to 14 days with an average of 12.88 ± 0.88 days. Full-grown larvae pupated on leaf surface from posterior side of their body. Prepupal period lasted for 1 to 3 (1.92 ± 0.44) days. Pupae were whitish or light brown in colour and covered with waxy strands. Its duration ranged from 6 to 8 days with an average of 6.94 ± 0.68 days. Adults were oval to hemispherical in shape, convex and had yellowishbrown to orange coloured head and abdomen, whereas thorax was black. Total life-cycle of male and female beetles was 64 to 73 and 70 to 84 days, respectively.