Life History and Feeding Behavior of Nephaspis amnicola Wingo

Abstract

The life history and feeding behavior of the coccinellid Nephaspis amnicola Wingo, were studied in the laboratory. Eggs hatched in an average of 6.9 days. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th larval stages were completed in an average of 3.1, 2.3, 2.6, and 5.3 days, respectively. The pupal stage was completed in an average of 6.2 days. Adult longevity varied greatly; males and females lived for an average of 349 and 162 days, respectively. Each female laid an average of 212 eggs, and the ovipositional period was 131 days. Prey-finding by larvae and adults depended upon chance contact. Feeding was by extraction and regurgitation.