Age and stage-specific life table parameters of Harmonia dimidiata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) fed on Rhopalosiphum padi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) at different temperatures

Abstract

Abstract Background The life history and predation rate of the ladybird beetle, Harmonia dimidiata Fabricius (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were compared at four different temperatures (16, 20, 24, and 28 °C). The beetles were fed on the bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi Linnaeus (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and investigated at 70 ± 10% RH with a photoperiod of 14:10 h (L:D). Results The reproductive rates (R0) were 20.07, 51.37, 66.95, and 14.54 beetle offspring at 16, 20, 24, and 28 °C, respectively. Results indicated that temperature had good impacts on the feeding potential, development, survivorship and fecundity, especially at 24 and 28 C compared with the other tested temperatures. In addition, the jackknife and bootstrap techniques were employed to estimate the population parameters' means. The obtained means of R0 and other population parameters, using the bootstrap technique fit a normal distribution. Meanwhile, the jackknife technique generated biologically meaningless zero values for R0. Both finite and predation rates were incorporated into limited predation rates for comparison of predation potential. Conclusion Both of the growth and predation rates indicated that H. dimidiata is more effective biocontrol agent for R. padi at 24 and 28 °C than at 20, 16 °C.