Notes on biology and population trends of Sumnius renardi Weise and Rodolia fumida Muls. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and their potential as biocontrol agents of Drosicha stebbingi Green (Homoptera: Margarodidae).
Rasheed S., Mahmood R., Mohyuddin A. I.
Author Affiliation: PARC-CIBC Station, CAB International Institute of Biological Control, PO Box 8, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Proceedings of Pakistan Congress of Zoology 6 : 137-142
Abstract : Sumnius renardi and Rodolia fumida, were recorded feeding on the pseudococcid Drosicha stebbingi, a serious pest of mango (Mangifera indica) and other plants in Pakistan. At Lahore, overwintering S. renardi females started ovipositing at the end of January. In the laboratory at 25±1°C, development from egg to adult was completed in 50-58 days. Females laid 136-776 eggs. During the period of activity from January to June, its population trends were studied. The attack rate on D. stebbingi was lower where predators were found compared with when the predator was absent. After completing 1 generation, S. renardi adults congregated under the bark of trees. F. fumida started feeding on D. stebbingi in April. It completed 1 generation on this species by June and then shifted to Perissopneumon sp. In the laboratory it completed development in 21.27 days. Females laid 50-309 eggs. It fed and completed development on D. stebbingi and Perissopneumon sp., but did not feed on Planococcus citri and Planococcoides robustus.