Biological Studies on Dipha aphidivora Meyrick (Pyralidae: Lepidoptera): A Potential Predator of Coconut Mealybugs in the Philippines

  • J.C. Orense
  • M.L.R. Imperial
Keywords: Dipha aphidivora, Sangicoccus sp., predator, biology

Abstract

Dipha (Conobathra) aphidivora Meyrick (Pyralidae: Lepidoptera) is recorded for the first time as a predator of coconut mealybug, Sangicoccus sp. (Eriococcidae: Homoptera)) in the Philippines. Some aspects of its biology and ecology were studied to determine its suitability as a biological control agent against Sangicoccus sp.

The life history of D. aphidivora was investigated following the establishment of a rearing procedure. The incubation period of the egg was 4.64±0.70 days. The four larval instars larva were completed in 5.52±0.92, 3.40±0.91, 2.83±0.72 and 3.40±1.04 days, respectively. Adults emerged from pupae after 7.68± 0.99 days. Adult longevity was 6.83 ± 2.30 days. The life cycle of D. aphidivora lasted for 32.42±3.63 days.

Voracity tests showed that the four larval instars of the predator consumed an average of 150 mealybugs.

Author Biographies

J.C. Orense

PCA-Albay Research Center Banao, Guinobatan, Albay 4503 Philippines

M.L.R. Imperial

PCA-Albay Research Center Banao, Guinobatan, Albay 4503, Philippines

References

Norio, Arakaki and Yoshiyasu Yutaka. 1988. Notes on Biology, Taxonomy and Distribution of the aphidophagous pyralid, Dipha aphidivora (Meyrick) comb. nov. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Applied Entom. Zool. 23(3): 234-244.
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Rueda, L.M. and Calilung, V.J. 1974. Biological studies on the sugar-cane woolly aphid, Ceratovacuna lanigera Zehntner (Hemiptera: Aphidoidea: Pemphigidae) on five varieties of sugarcane. Philipp. Entomol. 3: 129–147.
Sunil Joshi and Viraktamath, C.A. 2004. The sugarcane woolly aphid, Ceratovacuna lanigera Zehntner (Hemiptera: Aphididae): its biology, pest status and control. Curr. Sci. 87 (3):307-316.
Published
2010-10-01
How to Cite
J.C. Orense, & M.L.R. Imperial. (2010). Biological Studies on Dipha aphidivora Meyrick (Pyralidae: Lepidoptera): A Potential Predator of Coconut Mealybugs in the Philippines . CORD, 26(2), 6. https://doi.org/10.37833/cord.v26i2.129
Section
Articles