biological attributes and life table parameters of Nephus includens (Kirsch) (Coleoptera : Coccinellidae) as a natural enemy of mealybugs in Egypt

Developmental time and rate of immature stages, growth index, survival percentage, longevity, fecundity, and life table parameters of Nephus includens (Kirsch) were investigated when reared on the three mealybug species namely, Icerya purchasi, Icerya aegyptiaca, and Icerya seychellarum at 28 ºC

There was no sigificant variation in the incubation periods for N. includens when the predator was reared on the three tested preys. ANOVA showed that three were no significant differences in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th instars larvae when the predator was reared on the three tested preys. The total development time of immature stages was 26.3, 25.9, and 28.2 days on the three tested preys, with significant differences.Growth index of N. includens was 2.8517, 2.9069, and 2.4823 on the three tested preys, respectively . Developmental rates of the total immature stages were 0.0380, 0.0388, and 0.0355 on the three tested preys, with no significant difference. results indicated that the survival percentages of immature stages when reared on I. purchasi and I. aegyptiaca were higher than on I. seychellarum.