Effect of Aphis-Gossypii Glover Number on Mallada-Astur (Banks) and Cheilomenes-Sexmaculata (Fabricius)

The effect of Aphis gossypii Glover density on consumption patterns, development, and fecundity of Mallada astur (Banks) and Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius) was studied in the laboratory. Consumption of A. gossypii increased by two- and three-fold for M. astur and C. sexmaculata, respectively, when prey availability increased from 25 to 100 nymphs per day. Both predators could complete development faster and produce more progeny with a higher prey density. A linear regression R2 = 0.92 and 0.98 for M. astur and C. sexmaculata, respectively, was observed between prey availability and consumption patterns.