Lifecycle Completion and Reproductive Improvement of (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), Following a Prey Shift Routine During Larval Development.

The present study aimed to assess the lifecycle completion and reproductive improvement of green lacewing, (Stephens), larval instars in a prey shift routine while alternatively feeding on motiles of two-spotted spider mite, Koch (natural prey), and the eggs of almond moth, (Walker) (factitious prey). The results showed that . larvae successfully completed their lifecycle and life span in the treatments where either the 2nd (T2) or 3rd (T3) instar larvae were fed with the eggs of . while other instars were provided with motiles of . , i.e., 1st-3rd and 1st-2nd, respectively. The predator larvae failed to transform from pupae to adults when only the 1st instar larvae were fed on the . eggs (T1). Similar results were found when all predator instars were reared on the motiles of . (T4). The shortest mean total larval duration and preoviposition period, the highest fecundity and fertility, and balanced sex ratio were recorded when 3rd instar larvae were fed only on . eggs (T3). The longest adult longevity and oviposition period were recorded when only the 2nd instar larvae were fed on . eggs (T2). The findings of the present study would be helpful in developing a self-sustained mite biological control strategy using . and provide a roadmap for future studies to elucidate the larval release efficiency of . with the supplementary diet for the management of greenhouse mite pests.