Жук-коровка Clitosthetus arcuatus Rossi (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) – энтомофаг чистотеловой (Aleurodes proletella) и оранжерейной (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) белокрылок (Homoptera: Aleurodidae) в Украине

Abstract

The lady beetle, Clitosthetus arcuatus Rossi appears to be considerably more widespread in Ukraine than previously reported. Both adult and larval stages have been found in Kiev and Kiev region; in particular, in Fomin Botanical Garden this species was commonly found in the palm greenhouse and in open gounds, having three and two generations, respectively. In latter case the flight period is mid-April to September. The optimal temperature for C. arcuatus is 24-25 0C. At lower temperatures the development is retarded and less eggs are produced, while larval survival rate decreases and the adult beetles enter the diapause state. Under similar temprature conditions, shorter day-lenght induces diapause as well. This coccinellid species of is an efficacious pest control agent against whiteflies. Its use is of especial preference in floricultue, because, while completely removing the pest from the plants, adult beetles preserve the leaves intact and clean.