Comparative biology and predatory potential of ladybird beetle, Coccinella septempunctata at different temperature regimes

Aim: To assess the impact of various temperature regimes on the biology and predatory potential of ladybird beetle, Coccinella septempunctata under laboratory conditions. Methodology: Five treatments and four replications were used for observing the biology and predatory potential on different temperature regimes under laboratory conditions on field-collected mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi as a host. Results: Among different temperature regimes, the maximum fecundity and hatchability recorded were 250.67±9.50 and 80.07±0.95, respectively, at 30±2oC. Total grub and adult maximum predatory potential were 238.00±0.50, 508.00±2.65 and 556.33±2.84 at 30±2oC and the minimum were 180.00±5.00, 446.00±12.76 and 493.33±15.28, respectively, at 40±2oC. Interpretation: The present study revealed that 30±2oC temperature was most congenial for the development of Coccinella septempunctata under laboratory conditions and it could be used for mass multiplication of this aphidophagous insect. Key words: Coccinella septempunctata, Ladybird beetle, Predatory potential, Temperature regimes