Comparison of different diets for development of the Ashy-Gray ladybird beetle (Olla v-nigrum) and the green lacewing (Ceraeochrysa cubana) in the laboratory

The Ashy-Gray ladybird beetle Olla v-nigrum and the green lacewing Ceraeochrysa cubana are considered to be important generalist predators of a wide range of pests in Florida citrus groves. The objective of this study was to compare larval development of O. v-nigrum and C. cubana on different diets that might be conveniently used to rear these beneficial insects under laboratory conditions.  Larvae of both predators were reared individually in petri dishes where one of three types of food were offered to O. v-nigrum and one of two food types were offered to C. cubana ad libitum every two days. A significantly greater number of O. v-nigrum larvae reached the adult stage and a lower percentage of larval mortality occurred on a diet of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: pyralidae), eggs and Rhopalosiphum maidis (Homoptera: Aphidae) nymphs compared with frozen beef liver. Surprisingly, eggs of E. kuehniella, an unnatural food, provided a better diet than R. maidis nymphs for the development of C. cubana although R. maidis nymphs were also satisfactory.