INFLUENCE OF PHOTOPERIOD AS AN ENVIRONMENTAL FACTOR ON THE BIOLOGY AND FEEDING CAPACITY OF THE LADYBIRD BEETLE COCCINELLA UNDECIMPUNCTATA L. (COLEOPTERA : COCCINELLTDAE)

M.E. RAGAB, AND L.M. SHANAB
Plant Protection Dept., Fac. of Agric, Mansoura Univ. Egypt

ABSTRACT

The influence of three different photoperiods, i.e. 8/16, 12/12 and 16/8 hours light/dark per day on larval and pupal duration, prey consumption and fecundity of Coccinellaundecimpunctata L. was investigated. The experimented photoperiods had a significant effect on the durations of the first and second larval mstars and consequently affected the total larval duration. Also, the pre-oviposition period was greatly influenced. The intermediate photoperiod (12/12 h. L.D) is the most favourable light regime that increases prey consumption and fecundity of the predator.

Key Words: Coccinellids, Photoperiod, Biology, Feeding capacity