Feeding capacity of Menochilus sexmaculata (Fabricus) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on guava aphid, A. punicae Passerini

The present laboratory experiment was conducted to estimate the feeding capacity of the coccinellid, M. sexmaculata on guava aphid, Aphis punicae under laboratory conditions. Results revealed that the feeding capacity increased consequently from 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th instars by consuming an average number of 13.13, 25.00, 42.25, 58.38 A. punicae respectively and maximum number of aphid consumption was by adult female 90.69 aphids. Thus, Adult female beetles showed better predation than grub and devoured maximum number of A. punicae.