Effect of different diets on fecundity and life span of adults of Nusalala uruguaya (Navás, 1923) (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae)

Abstract

Adults of Nusalala uruguaya (Navás) (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae) fed on different natural and artificial diets, were studied in the laboratory at 25 ± 2^oC, 70 ± 10% RU and forteen-hour photophase for their fecundity and life span. The diets tested were: 1 - Dactynotus sp.; 2 - Toxoptera citricidus Kirk.; 3 - Brevicoryne brassicae (L.); 4 - Dactynotus sp. + Sojinha^R, honey and water; 5 - New Life^R, honey and water; 6 - Novomilke^R , honey and water; 7 -Sojinha^R, honey and water; 8 - Water. The life span of adults was 75.8 and 67.5 days for males and females, respectively, fed on Dactynotus sp. Females lived less when fed on B. brassicae and males when received Sojinha^R, honey and water or B. brassicae. Females fed on T. citricidus and Dactynotus sp. (with or without Sojinha^R, honey and water) had a longer oviposition period than those fed on the other diets. Females fed on Dactynotus sp. and Dactynotus sp. + Sojinha^R produced greater number of eggs with higher viability and weight. The artificial diets tested were not enough to mantain a high fecundity, thus resulting in a low fertility.