Biometrics of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri on mealy bugs and aphids

Abstract

The mean measurements of head capsule width and larval body length, width and weight of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri on Aphis gossypii were 0.38, 0.56, 0.83 and 1.1 mm, 1.76, 2.44, 3.85 and 5.26 mm, 0.57, 0.86, 1.24 and 1.72 mm, 0.72, 2.14, 3.92 and 5.82 mg for I, II, III and IV larval instars, respectively. The corresponding values on Phenacoccus solenopsis and Maconellicoccus hirsutus were 0.42, 0.68, 1.02 and 1.48 mm, 2.08, 2.84, 5.79 and 7.36 mm, 0.67, 0.97, 1.50 and 2.34 mm, 1.21, 3.60. 8.26 and 15.36 mg, and 0.40, 0.66, 0.97 and 1.51 mm, 1.84, 2.60, 5.74 and 7.20 mm, 0.63, 0,95 1.46 and 2.27 mm, 1.16, 3.40, 8.16 and 15.16 mg. The observed progression factors for larval head capsule width, body length, width and weight on A. gossypii were 1.43, 1.45, 1.45, and 2.09, respectively. The corresponding values for M. hirsutus and P. solenopsis were 1.56, 1.63, 1.53 and 2.40 and 1.52, 1.56, 1.52 and 2.38.