Adult reproduction
Newly-emerged adult ladybirds obtained from development
trials were used for reproduction assays. Similar-sized females
were selected and male–female pairs were isolated in leaf-disc
cages with the same prey they received during larval development.
Eggs were counted every 24 h (including the remains of any cannibalized
eggs), at which time the ladybirds were moved to new
cages. During the first week, a male was caged with each female,
but thereafter a male was provided each female for 3 h at threeday
intervals. The pre-reproductive period was calculated from
the day of adult emergence to the day the first oviposition.
Oviposition data were recorded for the first 50 days of adult life.