Life table parameters and feeding potential of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) on eggs of Pyrilla perpusilla (Walker)

Sugarcane leafhopper, Pyrilla perpusilla (Walker), is one of the comparatively economically important polyphagous pests of sugarcane worldwide. The green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens), is an important predator, widely utilized for controlling insect pests, including P. perpusilla . In this study, we investigated the survival rate, feeding potential, and fitness parameters of C. carnea on P. perpusilla eggs under laboratory conditions. Results revealed that the apparent mortality (100qx) was recorded maximum (13.04) for pupa while was a minimum of 6.32 during the third instar. Life expectancy (ex) for the egg stage was recorded maximum (of 5.60) while a minimum (of 1.86) for the pupal stage. The duration of eggs to the adult stage was recorded (25.71) days, followed by total larvae (11.94) days and third instar (4.32) days, while a minimum number of days was noted for the first instar (3.69). The maximum pre-oviposition, oviposition, and post-oviposition periods of C. carnea (Stephens) fed on P. perpusilla eggs were recorded as 3.36, 19.94, and 5.54, respectively. The fecundity of C. carnea per female was recorded as 33.90, while the number of eggs laid per female was recorded at 17.17. The longevity of male C. carnea was recorded at 20.78 days, while female’ was recorded at 34.16. Killing power (K-value) for all stages was recorded (0.23), with a maximum (0.06) at the pupa and a minimum (0.03) for the first and third instar. Data regarding the feeding efficacy of first larval instar shows that feeding was found to be maximum (615.23) on eggs while minimum (25.56) on first instar of P. perpusilla, respectively. However, the maximum (51.52) and minimum (6.64) consumption was recorded on the eggs and first larval instars of P. perpusilla , respectively. Taken together, a short life cycle, low mortality, high survival, and reproductive rate suggest the suitability of P. perpusilla eggs as prey for the predator C. carnea . For the mass production of C. carnea , eggs of P. perpusilla are potentially the preferred host under ambient conditions.