Biological Studies on Dipha aphidivora Meyrick (Pyraiidae:Lepidoptera): A Potential Predator of Coconut Mealybugs in the philippines

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Date

2010

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Abstract

Dipha (Conobathra) aphidivora Meyrick (Pyralidae: Lepidoptera) is recorded fQl' the first time as a predator of coconut mealybug, Sangicoccus sp. (Eriococcidae: Hotnoptera» in the Philippines . . . Some aspects of its biology and ecology were studied to detennine its suitability as a biological control agent against Sangicoccus sp. The life history ·of D. aphidivora was investigated following the. ~tablishment of a rearing procedure. The incubation period of the egg was 4.64±0.70 days. The four larval. inStars larva were completed in 5.52±O.92, 3.40±0.91, 2.83±0.72 and 3.4O±1.04 days, respectively. Adults emerged from pupae after 7.68± 0.99 days. Adult longevity was 6.83 ± 2.30 days. The life cycle of D. aphidivora lasted for 32.42±3.63 days. Voracity tests showed that the four larval instars of the predator consumed an average of 150 mealybugs.

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Keywords

Dipha aphidivora, Sangicoccus sp, Coconut Mealybug, predator,

Citation

Cord- 26 (2)pp36-41-2010

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