Biology and Feeding Potential of Mallada boninensis (Okamoto), a Chrysopid Predator of White Fly Bemisia tabaci Gennadius

Biology and feeding potential of a chrysopid, Mallada boninensis Okamoto, recorded by us for the first time from Gujarat, were studied under laboratory conditions. The predator laid stalked eggs in groups usually of 11 to 20. The larvae with the habit of carrying trash on its back passed through three Instnrs, the durations of which were 4.11, 4.11 and 4.63 days at a constant temperature of 25.26 ± 2.2 °C and 59.90% RH. The short prepupal and pupal periods averaged 5 to 7 and 13.79 days respectively. The female was slightly bigger than male. The sex ratio of male:female was 1:1.5 with 81.40 per cent emergence of adults. Pre oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods averaged 9.90 ± 1.60, 36.90 ± 4.41 and 18.00 ± 12.24 days respectively. The total number of eggs laid by the female averaged 431 ± 38.62 eggs. The average longevity of females and males were 64.8 ± 15.97 and 27.36 ± 8.03 days respectively. The larva consumed on an average 628.75 eggs of Corcyra cephalonica Stainton and 453 nymphs of white flies.