Effect of Factitious and Natural Prey on the Development of Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Petersen)

Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Petersen) is an important predator used in biological control of soft-bodied pests like aphids. This study assessed its developmental performance on two prey types i.e. factitious (Corcyra cephalonica) and natural (Myzus persicae) under controlled laboratory conditions (25±1°C, 65±5% RH, and 16:8 h L:D photoperiod). The incubation period of M. persicae (4.47±0.13 days) was longer than C. cephalonica (3.27±0.09 days) while, the third larval instar period was shorter in M. persicae (4.10±0.10) than C. cephalonica (5.60±0.10 days). Total developmental duration was slightly longer in M. persicae (22.63±0.32 days) compared to C. cephalonica (21.87±0.19 days). Despite marginal delays, M. persicae supported successful predator development. The results confirm its suitability for field-level IPM programs targeting aphid pests.