Greta Thorson, University of Florida, Entomology & Nematology, Gainesville, FL
The life history and consumption rate of Rhyzobius lophanthae (Blaisdell) and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) was studied using Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), a severe pest on Cycas revoluta Thunberg in Florida. The insects were reared from egg to adult in laboratory conditions and monitored in pertri dishes held at three different temperatures. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri adults were not observed laying eggs on A. yasumatsui while the whole life history was recorded for R. lophanthae. Studies will be completed in November 2006 and results will follow.
Species 1: Hemiptera Diaspididae
Aulacaspis yasumatsui (cycad aulacaspis scale)
Species 2: Coleoptera Coccinellidae
Rhyzobius lophanthaeSpecies 3: Coleoptera Coccinellidae
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (mealy bug destroyer)