Parameters of reproductive activity in females of Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Abstract

The effects of temperatures of 15, 20, 25 and 30°C on the duration of premating and preoviposition periods of Harmonia axyridis reared on the aphid Aphis fabae, were compared in the laboratory. The course of oviposition was monitored at 25°C in females reared on Aphis fabae and the peak of egg laying was recorded at the age of 15 to 45 days. The size of egg groups (batch size), as well as daily and total fecundity was recorded. Half of the total number of eggs was laid in batches of 10-30 eggs. The mean daily and total fecundity reached a maximum of 42 and 1,641.6 eggs, respectively. Adult females oviposited for almost their entire life.

Keywords

• coccinellidae
• harmonia axyridis
• reproductive activity
• fecundity
• mating
• number of ovarioles
• batch size
• aphis fabae
• temperature