Effect of storage duration and low temperatures on reproductive characteristics of chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

Green lacewing,chrysoperla carnea (stephens) (neuroptera: chrysopidae) among the predators is an important component of biological control in integrated pest management of crops and vegetables. reproductive characteristics of c. carnea lead towards its effectiveness against target pests in a particular set of environmental conditions. the present study was carried out to investigate the reproductive characteristics of c. carnea under laboratory conditions. effect of low temperature and storage durations on the reproductive parameters of c. carnea at adult stage on different temperature conditions have showed that the reproductive parameters as pre-oviposition period,oviposition and adult life span were comparatively better for both short and long term storage durations. although the adult survived after stored at 6 and 8°c temperature conditions,storage was better for both long and short term durations at 10°c. so,it is obvious from the present findings that whenever,needed to conserve particular strains in laboratories for experimentation or field releases,storage at 10°c gave prolonged survival to adults without the detrimental effects. © copyright 2014 zoological society of pakistan.