Development time and consumption rate of Chrysoperla rufilabris Burmeister (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) feeding on Microtheca ochroloma Stål (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

The yellowmargined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochroloma, is an important pest on organic crucifer crops. The development of eco-friendly pest management strategies, like biological control, is required but no effective host-specific natural enemy of M. ochroloma is known.  The generalist predator Chrysoperla rufilabris may be used as a biological control agent of this pest.  However, no studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of this predator and the suitability of M. ochroloma as prey for C. rufilabris.  Therefore, the objective of this study was to quantify the consumption rate of C. rufilabris when provided with immature stages of M. ochroloma and measure the developmental time of the predator at different temperatures under laboratory conditions. Eggs of M. ochroloma were offered to the predator, and they were kept at four different temperatures. The number of prey killed daily and the number of days required by the predator to reach adulthood were recorded. The predator was able to complete its life cycle feeding on eggs of M. ochroloma. The predator was not able to develop at the lowest temperature and there was an inverse interaction between developmental time and temperature. The consumption rate of the predator varied among stadia. Chrysoperla rufilabris has the potential to reduce populations of M. ochroloma when temperatures are above 10°C.