The functional responses of Chrysoperla carnea larvae were evaluated at different seven densities of the 3rd instar
nymphs of Aphis craccivora and Gynaikothrips ficorum in order to find out the relationship between predator
densities and its prey by the, and also to find out their capability for biological control of aphids and thrips. Results
revealed that all tested larval instars of Ch. carnea exhibited a type II response in relation to the prey. Moreover,
the coefficients of attack rate (a) and handling time (Th) was differed among various growing instars of predator
and for the prey species. The 3rd instar larvae of Ch. carnea manifested the highest attacking rate (1.23 and 1.22) on
the 3rd instar nymphs of A. craccivora and G. ficorum, respectively. In addition it exhibited the highest maximum
predation (Na max) (50.00 and 52.63) on A. craccivora and G. ficorum nymphs, respectively as compared with the
other treatments. Accordingly, Ch. carnea could be considered as a promising bio-control agent for A. craccivora
and G. ficorum management |
