Morphometrics and predation potential of green lacewing, <i>Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi</i> (Esben-Peterson) on cowpea aphid, <i>Aphis craccivora</i> Koch

A research trial to exploit the importance of life cycle phases and predatory potential of Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben- Peterson) on cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch was carried out under laboratory conditions during 2022-23. Predator grub emerged from the egg within 3.00±0.72 days with a hatching percentage of 89.54±2.58. The avg. duration of the first, second, third instar and total larval phase was 2.48±0.50, 3.44±0.50, 3.84±0.99 and 8.68±0.47 days, respectively. The avg. pre-pupal duration was 1.00±0.00 days and that of pupa was 8.26±01.32 days. The mean interval of oviposition was 24.7±5.15 days. Male and female adult longevity was 23.96±3.61 and 34.36±3.81days, respectively. The total life cycle was completed in 34.38±5.81 days. In the feeding potential study, the average daily consumption of aphids during the first, second and third larval instars were 9.28±0.45, 20.86±0.53 and 27.94±0.59 as well the average total number of aphids consumed was 31.20±4.04, 64.32±3.06 and 116.4±2.49, respectively. The total per day consumption of aphids and prey consumed in the entire larval duration was 58.08±0.89 and 211.6±6.4 number of aphids, respectively. According to the findings, the green lacewing, C. zastrowi sillemi, has a high chance of surviving on cowpea aphids at every stage and can be a great support to an organic pest management program, offering advantages all through the growing season.