Feeding and reproduction of the brown lacewings (Sympherobius barberi) on diets of Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) and flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella)

Sympherobius barberi (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae) one of the brown lacewings reported from Asia, Europe and America is an important predator of several insect pests but never tested against the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), which threatens citrus industry as vector of the causal pathogen of huanglonging (HLB) or citrus greening disease. In our experiments adults of S. barberi were equally effective in consuming ACP eggs and nymphs under both light and dark conditions. Females laid more eggs when fed with ACP eggs compared to nymphs or eggs of flour moth Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidotera: Pyralidae). Adult longevity was same on psyllid and Ephestia diets. More eggs were deposited on twisted and wrinkled white paper compared to similar black paper or leaves of citrus, orange jasmine, eggplant and cantaloupe.