Fecundity of commercially available convergent lady beetles, Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, following shipment

Abstract

The fecundity of Hippodamia convergens following shipment did not exceed 1.2±0.5 eggs/female/day during 7-day trials. Fecundity was higher (7.4±1.8 and 7.6±1.6) in 14-day trials. If beetles do not disperse, egg production may be expected 5 days following their release if an adequate food source and favorable local environment are provided.

Keywords:

• Hippodamia convergens
• biological control
• fecundity
• shipment

Acknowledgements

I thank Phil Joudrey for his technical support. Research funding was provided by Saint Mary's University (FGSR) and NSERC (Discovery Grant). Laboratory equipment was acquired through the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (New Opportunities Fund).