Development and reproduction of the two-spotted ladybeetle (Adalia bipunctata) on diets of Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) and corn leaf aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis)

The two-spotted ladybeetle, Adalia bipunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is an important bio-control agent wide spread in crops and forests ecosystem all over the world; including Asia, Europe and North America.  Predation on some aphids and mealy bugs has been examined, but there are no reports regarding D. citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), vector of huanglongbing or citrus greening disease. We tested preference of A. bipunctata for D. citri or R. maidis (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and evaluated development on these two species and frozen eggs of the flour moth Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).  Both larvae and adults of A. bipunctata did not discriminate between D. citri and R. maidis and all three diets were equally suitable for development with 90% or more survival rate.  Preliminary results indicate that all three diets are also suitable for beetle reproduction.