Effects of Melanaphis sacchari (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on the development and growth rate of Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

• In Event: Poster Presentation and Judging for: Anthropology; Botany; Conservation Ecology; Environmental Science; Freshwater Science; Geosciences; Mathematics & Computer Science; Neuroscience; Physics & Eng; Science Education; Terrestrial Ecology & Management.
  In Poster Session: Terrestrial Ecology Poster Session

Abstract

The sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a major agricultural pest that feeds on sorghum in the United States and Mexico. As with most invasive pests, it was introduced without its natural enemies. Coccinellids, commonly found in agricultural systems, are generalist predators of aphids. Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a common lady beetle, feeds upon M. sacchari and may be a potential agent for biological control in sorghum fields. In this study, we quantified the development and growth rate of C. maculata on an ad libitum diet of either M. sacchari or the common pea aphid, Acrythosiphon pisium (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Data recorded included daily measurements of larvae, developmental time for each life stage, and size (length and width) of adults. Coleomegilla maculata was able to complete its full life cycle on a diet of M. sacchari. Evaluation of the effects of M. sacchari on the growth and development of C. maculata will help determine its efficacy as a biological control agent of the sugarcane aphid.

Authors

• Brad Burden, Texas A&M University - Central Texas

• Laura Weiser Erlandson, Texas A&M University - Central Texas