abstract
The suitability of Agonoscena pistaciae Burckhardt & Lauterer as a prey for Adalia bipunctata (Linnaeus) was
evaluated by studying the predator’s development and reproduction on this species in comparison to
reference diets of nymphs of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) and eggs of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller. Both larval
and adult A. bipunctata fed voraciously on A. pistaciae. The development time of the ladybird was shorter
when fed onM. persicae and A. pistaciae and longer on E. kuehniella. The survival rate was 87% on M. persicae
and 85% on A. pistaciae, both significantly greater than on E. kuehniella eggs (63%). The ladybirds were
heaviest at eclosion and their fecundity was higher on M. persicae than on A. pistaciae or E. kuehniella. Both
the aphid and psyllid diets yielded higher R0, rm values and lower T and DT values than E. kuehniella eggs.
Based on total development time, immature survival and adult fecundity, the relative suitability for
A. bipunctata was M. persicae > A. pistaciae > E. kuehniella. When ladybirds were reared on psyllids, they
showed no preference between aphid or psyllid diets, but when raised on M. persicae, they preferred an
aphid diet. A field experiment showed that A. bipunctata preferred to oviposit on pistachio trees at a height
of 150–200 cm, i.e. towards the top. The results indicate that A. pistaciae constitutes a complete food for
A. bipunctata, supporting both completed development and successful reproduction.