Laboratory analysis of colour and texture-induced oviposition in green lacewing (Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi)

Abstract

This research is aimed at determining the colour and texture that Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi prefers for egg-laying under controlled conditions. Results have shown that when a white muslin cloth is used, the preferred colours for laying eggs are white muslin cloth, brown and black paper while under black muslin cloth, the most preferred colours are black muslin cloth, brown and black paper. The analysis of textures showed that rough surfaces were significantly preferred; brown, black and violet papers had the highest number of eggs. The statistical analysis using t-tests and ANOVA (F-tests) revealed that there are significant differences between preferences on oviposition which indicates that both colour and texture play a combined influence on the egg-laying behaviour in these lacewings. This discovery could revolutionize rearing environments: it can be regarded as an implication for taking biological control strategies into account based on such findings.