Diomus terminatus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) has potential as a new commercial natural enemy for use in horticulture. It can be reared off of plants and under artificial light, and can be maintained on artificial diets. However, Ephestia eggs or aphids may be required to produce viable eggs. In greenhouses, D. terminatus consumes significant numbers of the aphid species Myzus persicae, Aphis gossypii, A. nerii, and Rhopalasidium maidis. They also prey on certain mealy bugs and thrips. This research demonstrates the potential for economical mass rearing and commercialization of D. terminatus.
Species 1: Coleoptera Coccinellidae Diomus terminatus
Species 2: Homoptera Aphididae aphis gossypii (cotton aphid)
Species 3: Homoptera Aphididae Myzus persicae (green peach aphid)
Keywords: horticulture, IPM
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