Lifecycle Completion and Reproductive Improvement of Chrysoperla carnea (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, <i>Chrysoperla carnea</i> (Stephens), larval instars in a prey shift routine while alternatively feeding on motiles of two-spotted spider mite, <i>Tetranychus urticae</i> Koch (natural prey), and the eggs of almond moth, <i>Ephestia cautella</i> (Walker) (factitious prey). The results showed that <i>C</i>. <i>carnea</i> 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 <i>E</i>. <i>cautella</i> while other instars were provided with motiles of <i>T</i>. <i>urticae</i>, 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 <i>E</i>. <i>cautella</i> eggs (T1). Similar results were found when all predator instars were reared on the motiles of <i>T</i>. <i>urticae</i> (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 <i>E</i>. <i>cautella</i> eggs (T3). The longest adult longevity and oviposition period were recorded when only the 2nd instar larvae were fed on <i>E</i>. <i>cautella</i> eggs (T2). The findings of the present study would be helpful in developing a self-sustained mite biological control strategy using <i>C</i>. <i>carnea</i> and provide a roadmap for future studies to elucidate the larval release efficiency of <i>C</i>. <i>carnea</i> with the supplementary diet for the management of greenhouse mite pests.