LAILA A.ABDALLAH
Plant Protection Dep. Fac. of Agric. Mansoura University

ABSTRACT

A biological study was carried out on the insect predator Exochoiniss Jiavipes (Thub.) at constant temperatures of 20,25 and 30'C. Rearing of the predator was conducted when fed on the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover. Results reported for immature stages revealed that the larval feeding capacity attained its maximum during the fourth larval instar. Detailed data about durations and feeding capacity of various larval instars were given. Results concerning the daily rate of prey consumption for the adult predator, male and female, and female fecundity were also given. Highly significant differences in longevity, rate of consumption, and female fecundity were obtained due to tested temperatures. The results assured the efficiency of E. flavipes in its active stages, larval and adult, in controlling A . gossypii at the all tested temperatures. Rate of consumption increased with the increase of temperature in the studied range (20-30'C.).

Key Words: Predators, Exochomus flavipes, Aphis gossypii, Temperature, Efficiency.