First Report on Voracity and Feeding Preference of Predatory Beetle, Thalassa montezumae (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on Croton Scale, Phalacrococcus howertoni (Hemiptera: Coccidae)

Abstract

The croton scale Phalacrococcus howertoni Hodges & Hodgson gen. nov., sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Coccidae), was first found in Florida, USA. This scale has become a pest because of its high reproductive rate and production of sooty mold. Here, we evaluated predation potential of the predatory beetle, Thalassa montezumae Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), as a biological control agent. To our knowledge, this is the first study of predation by T. montezumae on P. howertoni. Results of our studies showed that the predation by 4th instar T. montezumae was higher on 2nd stage nymphs than on 3rd stage nymphs P. howertoni; predation on adults was lowest. Mean consumption by adult T. montezumae was highest on 2nd stage nymphs followed by 3rd stage nymphs, and adult P. howertoni. There were no significant differences between male and female adult T. montezumae in the prey first visited when offered a choice of 2nd or 3rd instar nymphs, or adults of P. howertoni. Thus, the levels of acceptance did not vary significantly between stages of prey visited by the males and females. Females chose prey faster than males and used less energy to search for food. Egg fecundity did not vary among female beetles fed with different stages of croton scales. Should P. howertoni become a major pest, T. montezumae could be used as a biological control agent within a biologically based integrated pest management program.