OVERVIEW OF THE REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOUR AND DEVELOPMENT OF APHIDOPHAGOUS LADYBIRD BEETLES

We reviewed the recent information on the reproductive behaviour and development of aphidophagous ladybird beetles. The effects of body size, age, morph and familiarity were determined based mate-choice in these ladybird beetles in terms of mating behaviour and the reproductive output. We inferred that the larger female ladybird beetles would probably carry more eggs and thereby should be more rigorous and active during mate-selection than the smaller ones. Similarly, these females prefer younger and unmated males as their potential mates, as the probability of producing high-quality sperm which in turn improves the quality of offspring is more in the younger males. In terms of morphs, females often select males with the most elaborate ornaments and displaying attributes. When females were provided with a choice towards familiar and unfamiliar males, the former prefer to mate with new males. During oviposition, as reproductive output, a series of behavioral steps are required, viz. habitat selection, approaching plant, landing decision on possible host or not, decision to oviposit or not, number of clutches and clutch size. The eggs hatch and develop into instars to adults, and their overall development period were longer on L. erysimi and shorter on R. maidis. The information obtained from the present study will be helpful in improving the methods for the mass-multiplication of these ladybirds, and aid successful biocontrol of aphid pests.