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Influence of Temperature on Age-Specific Fecundity of the Ladybeetle Micraspis discolor (Fabricius)

Authors :
Ahmad Pervez
Omkar
Source :
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science. 22:61-65
Publication Year :
2002
Publisher :
Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2002.

Abstract

The influence of temperature on the age-specific fecundity of an aphidophagous ladybeetle, Micraspis discolor (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) feeding on the cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch (Homoptera: Aphididae) at four different temperatures, viz. 20, 25, 27 and 30°C, was investigated. The age-specific fecundity function was triangular and oviposition rate (no. of eggs/day) increased with increase in reproductive age of the ladybeetle, attaining a peak then gradually decreasing before finally ceasing. Young adults were more efficient at converting aphid biomass into eggs than older ones. The oviposition peak tended to shift towards younger females and the oviposition rate increased with increase in temperature from 20 to 27°C. The maximum fecundity and percent egg viability was 750 eggs and 95% at 27°C and minimum 385 eggs and 65% at 20°C, respectively.

Details

ISSN :
17427592 and 17427584
Volume :
22
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........ad54d24b4357fb6f2d97e509a01fdd7f