Studies on morphology and biology of immature stages of the predator Rhyzobius lophanthae Blaisdell (Col.: Coccinellidae)

Morphological characteristics of immature developmental stages of Rhyzobius lophanthae Blaisdell (Col.: Coccinellidae), predator of scale insects of the family Diaspididae (Homoptera), are described. Data about the morphology of eggs, the four larval instars, and the pupa is presented. Larval instars are described in more detail: size of head capsule, length of tibia, distribution of dorsal and lateral setae of abdomen segments for each larval instar is reported. Distribution of spiracles is also given. Study on the biology concerns the influence of prey on the duration of instar periods. The diaspidids Aspidiotus nerii and Aonidiella aurantii were used as food. The mean duration of the developmental period from egg to adult was 27.1 days, and no mortality was observed (0 %) when A. nerii was used as prey. The respective numbers when the prey was A. aurantii were 48.8 days and 84 %.