Second instar
The results of the duration of the 2nd instar varied from 1.50 to 3 days and the mean duration was 2.20 ± 0.16
days (Figure 1). Nasiruddin and Islam (1979) found that the duration of the 2nd instar larvae of M. discolor was
2.4 to 3.1 days on different aphid, which is comparatively similar to the results of the present findings. Prodhan
et al (1995) found that the duration of 2nd instar of M. discolor varied from 1 to 2 days using bean aphid using
cabbage aphid as a host.
Third instar
The result indicated that the duration of the 3rd instar larvae lasted from 2 to 4 days. The mean duration of 3rd
instar larvae was 3.10 ± 0.17 (Fig. 1). Nasiruddin and Islam (1979) found that the duration of the 3rd instar
larvae of M. discolor varied from 3.1 to 3.8 days on maize, bean and chilli aphids as host. This result supported
to the present observation.
Fourth instar
Observation made on the larval duration of the 4th instar larvae on an average 3.75 ± 0.19 days with minimum of
3 days and maximum of 5 days (Figure 1). Prodhan et al (1995) reported that the duration of final instar larvae
of M. discolor was 3 days. Nasiruddin and Islam (1979) found that the duration of the 4th instar larvae of M.
discolor varied from 3.8 to 4.2 days on maize, bean, and chilli aphids. This duration was within the range of
present findings.
Pupal period
The pupal period was 2 to 4 days with an average 2.60 ± 0.21 days (Table 1). Nagammuang (1987) recorded
that the mean pupal duration of M. discolor was 3.43 ± 0.57 days when larvae reared on A. craccivora.
Different findings revealed that the pupal period of coccinellid beetles varied with the differnces of food and it
was correlated with the temperature (Sakurai et al 1991).
Facundity and haching rate
The number of eggs laid per female were 190 to 270 with an average 235.50 ± 7.96. The mean hatching
percentage were 83.93 ± 2.11 (Table 2). Ngammuang (1987) reported that the number of eggs deposited per
female of M. discolor was 181.07 ± 66.37 on A. craccivora, and 70.15% eggs were hatched. Prodhan et al
(1995) observed that the facundity of female varied form 200-300 eggs with mean of 270.5 and with average
70.15% eggs were hatched. These results seem to be close with the present findings