Laboratory trials were carried out to study biological aspects of Coccidophilus citricola Brèthes (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on Chrysomphalus aonidum Linnaeus and Aspidiotus nerii Bouché (Homoptera: Diaspididae). The scales were reared on squashes and then served as food source to the predator. The period of egg, larvae (four ínstars), pre-pupae, pupae, adults’ longevity and male: female ratio was observed. Predatory efficacy of C. citricola on A. nerii was also determined. The period of egg was 7.9 and 8.1 days on A. nerii and C. aonidum. The development (days) of different stages of C. citricola on A. nerii or C. aonidum were similar. The period of each larval ínstar on A. nerii and C. aonidum, respectively was (I) 2.7 and 2.9; (II) 3.1 and 3.3; (III) 3.0 and 3.3; (IV) 3.2 and 3.1 days. Duration of pre-pupae stage was 2.5 and 2.8 days and pupae stage was 4.5 and 4.8 days on A. nerii and C. aonidum. The viability from egg to adult was 63.2% and 62.7% respectively on A. nerii and C. aonidum. Adults’ longevity was 57 and 62 days on A. nerii and C. aonidum. Male: female ratio was 0.82: 1.00. Consumption of adults of C. citricola on A. nerii was 1.15 adults or 2.35 nymphs of 2nd ínstar or 3.16 nymphs of 1st ínstar / day.
Insecta; scales; coccinellids; natural enemies; predatory insects
