Field-cage and laboratory evaluation of Scymnus (Pullus) coniferarum (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a potential predator of Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae)

The hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), Adelges tsugae Annand, is a serious, non-native pest of hemlock in the eastern North America. Scymnus (Pullus) coniferarum Crotch (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a small lady beetle that preys on HWA in the western U.S. and is absent from hemlock stands in the eastern U.S. While preliminary studies have shown its release to be of limited risk, more information is needed on the life history of S. coniferarum to determine if it will be a suitable biological control agent for HWA in the eastern U.S.  We evaluated S. coniferarum in a series of sleeve cage experiments from December-June, 2013 on HWA-infested Tsuga canadensis at two sites in S.W. Virginia.  We assessed predator survival rate, egg production, larval development, and HWA predation. In separate laboratory studies, we evaluated the effect of three photoperiod and temperature combinations on beetle development. This will help us gain a better understanding of establishment potential for S. coniferarum in S.W.Virginia. In the laboratory, preliminary results indicate that oviposition rates and developmental success were higher among the cohort exposed to a higher temperature and longer daylength.  I will elaborate further on our findings and discuss how these data will contribute toward the development of improved rearing procedures for this insect. 

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