Predatory Potential of Australian Ladybird Beetle, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant on Different Hosts

Investigation on predatory potential of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant on different hosts was undertaken at Biological Control Research Laboratory, Anand, during the year 2010 to 2011. Results revealed that there was significant difference in consumption of different preys among various lifestages of the predator. Maximum (3.67) nymphs of M. hirsutus were consumed by first instar larvae followed by P. solenopsis (2.82) and A. gossypii (2.15). The larvae consumed more or less same numbers of aphids of A. craccivora and L. erysimi. Feeding potential of C. montrouzieri larvae increased with the advancement of age. The trend of preference of predatory potential recorded for second, third and fourth instar was same as noticed in case of first instar larvae. Significantly, maximum (242.62) number of mealy bug nymphs of M. hirsutuswere ate by the larva over rest of the hosts tried. Minimum (120.25) consumption was found in A. craccivora followed by L. erysimi (129.20). Fourth instar larvae consumed relatively more number of nymphs irrespective of hosts in comparison to earlier instars indicating its voracious feeding behaviour. Larvae as well as adults of C. montrouzieri preferred more of A. gossypii over A. craccivora. Results concluded that the order for predatory potential of C. montrouzieri of hosts was M. hirsutus > P. solenopsis > A. gossypii > L. erysimi > A. craccivora.