Effect of temperature on development, growth, and predation of Ceratomegilla undecimnotata (Schneider) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) feeding on the black bean aphid, Aphis fabae (Scopoli, 1763) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Ceratomegilla undecimnotata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) exhibits predacious behavior targeting a number of small aphid species, several of which are recognized as pests of cultivated plants. In the present study, the predation rate of C. undecimnotata, preying on the black bean aphid under laboratory conditions, was examined. At the highest (35°C) and lowest (17°C) temperatures tested, the mortality was significantly higher than those achieved at the other temperatures studied. Temperatures in the range of 17–35°C had a significant impact on the duration of egg, larval, pupal, and total preimaginal development. The total larval prey consumption ranged between 218.4 and 306.4 aphids. The developmental threshold of the immature stages of C. undecimnotata was estimated at 13.6°C and the thermal constant for development of the immature stages was estimated at 207.5 degree-days. This study suggests that C. undecimnotata can be an effective biocontrol agent against Aphis fabae.