FECUNDITY AND LIFE TABLE OF FEMALE PREDATOR Cryptolaemus montrouzieri ON Phenacoccus madeirensis

The sex ratio, longevity and fecundity of the predator Cryptolaemus montrouzieri reared on Phenacoccus madeirensis and the life table of the females had been studied. The calculated biological parameters in life-table and age specific fecundity for females fed on P. madeirensis (R0. T, rm. e^rm and DT) mean that the female population increased by 363.60 times (R0) after a single generation which lasted 76.69 days (T) during its lifespan under laboratory conditions of 28±2 and RH 44± 5%. Its true capacity rate of increase (e rm) was 0.077 females/female/day with a daily finite rate of increase (e^rm) of 1.080 times. These higher population parameters and doublecation with short doubling time (DT) (9.002 days) indicate that their population can grow faster than the prey and thus exert a controlling effect on pest (prey) individuals of P. madeirensis.