Comparative biology of Nusalala uruguaya (Navás, 1923) (Neuroptera; Hemerobiidae) fed with different aphid species: I. Larval stage

Abstract

The biology of the immature stages of the brown lacewing Nusalala uruguaya (Navás, 1923) was studied under laboratory conditions of 25 ± 2°C temperature, 70 ± 10% RH and photophase of 14 hours, using aphids of the species Toxoptera citricidus (Kirk), Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) and Dactynotus sp. as diets. Prey species affected brown lacewing larval stage development, as indicated by the length and viability of each larval instar, the head capsule width, and the weight and the length of the larvae body. Dactynotus sp. was the most consumed species and gave the best insect development whereas T. citricidus caused 100% mortality during the first instar. Brown lacewing larvae fed only on live aphids and showed a canibalistic behavior eating eggs and larvae of its own species.