Biology of Coccinella Septempunctata on Mustard Aphid Lipaphis Erysimi

Abstract

Seven-spotted ladybird beetle, Coccinella septempunctata L., a natural enemy of aphids, was reared on natural food where both the larvae and adult beetles fed on the aphids. The predator completed its developmental period from egg to adult stage on aphids in 28.66±0.87 days and 26.56±1.05 days in Generation-1 and Generation-2, respectively. There was no significant variation in the total developmental period between the two generations on natural diet. The fecundity of C. septempunctata was found to be highest on natural diet in Generation-2 with 324.79±8.41 eggs. The oviposition period and the