Oviposition behavior and biological aspects of Ceraeochrysa cincta (Schneider, 1851) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) over successive generations

Abstract

Green lacewings (Neuroptera: Chryspidae) are insects broadly distributed worldwide that are associated with various crops and pests and an important group of predators, therefore, mass rearing of these insects for subsequent release in the field depends on a better understanding on the biological cycle and behavior of the predators. This study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of population development and oviposition of Ceraeochrysa cincta (Schneider, 1851) in successive generations. Three generations of C. cincta, comprising 15 random couples maintained under stable conditions of temperature (25 ± 1℃), relative humidity (70 ± 10%), and photoperiod (12 L:12D), were used. The period of pre-oviposition and the number and viability of the eggs were evaluated every 24 h throughout the lifespan of the females and the biological characteristics were evaluated using fertility life table. The results revealed that oviposition of eggs without peduncle occurs in C. cincta species tend to start earlier as the generations increases and that these non-pedunculated eggs are infertility. The fertility life table demonstrated higher R0, rm and λ values and lower T and TD values for the first generation. It can be concluded that as the number of generations increases the oviposition behavior and the development of the C. cincta population is affected.