Suitability of Three Prey Species for Nearctic Populations of Coccinella septempunctata, Hippodamia variegata, and Propylea quatuordecimpunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Coccinella septempunetata L. larvae reared at 23 ± 2°C (16:8 [L:D]) on pea aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), required an average of 13.1 d to complete development, a significantly faster rate of development than observed on corn leaf aphids, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) (16 d). Adult C. septempunetata from larvae reared on A. pisum were larger and weighed more than adults reared on R. maidis . Developmental times of Nearctic Hippodamia variegate Goeze and Propylea quatuordecimpunetata L., were not influenced by larval prey, but adult P. quatuordecimpunetata were heavier and larger when reared on A. pisum . First instars of the three > (Hiibner) and desiccated within 3 d at 23°C. A. pisum is a highly suitable larval prey for Nearctic populations of these predators; redistribution program releases in alfalfa infested with A. pisum are appropriate. In corn, these coccinellids can develop on R. maidis , but first instars cannot utilize O. nubilalis eggs as an alternate food source.