Artificial Diets for Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Using Extracts of Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Comparison with a Meridic Formulation

We tested the hypothesis that the addition of Tenebrio molitor extracts to a merdic diet could improve the growth, development, and fecundity of the predatory lady beetle Coleomegilla maculata. The objectives of this study were to 1) develop a semi-solid insect-free artificial diet, 2) determine the effect of this diet on the fitness of C. maculata, and 3) determine if  T. molitor  extracts could increase the suitability of this diet. Although C. maculata completed development in two meridic versions of our artificial diet, neither one was as effective as a control (2:1 Koppert® Entofood and bee pollen mix). Incorporation of T. molitor  into the meridic diet improved C. maculata immature survival, fecundity and egg viability and demographic parameters showed that the overall fitness of diet fed beetles was superior to the control.