A Study on Laboratory Rearing of Lady Bird Beetle (Coccinella Septempunctata) to Observe Its Fecundity and Longevity on Natural and Artificial Diets

Development and reproductive potential of the Coccinella septempunctata L. (CSL) was conducted under laboratory conditions to determine its fecundity and longevity on natural and artificial diets. Tests were made on laboratory rearing materials and all development stages were carefully recorded. Success ratios in these experiments were a matter of logistic and synchronization of these life cycles, the plant phytophagous and entomophagous insects. A positive correlation was obtained between food consumption and egg production, so fecundity of CSL is affected by the type of food. CSL consumed highly significant (Rhopalosiphum maidis) 32.2 aphids per day as compared to other treatments. Oviposition response was the maximum on these beetles which consumed 1st and 2nd instars of Macrosiphon roseae. CSL reared under artificial diet showed more longevity 41.6 days on plain water. Greater emphasis was pertinent on evaluation of predator specificity, understanding of colonization in new environments and assessment of community-level interactions to maximize the use of Coccinellids in Biological Control (BC)