Mass Production and Release of Calosoma sycophanta L. (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Used against the Pine Processionary Moth, Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Schiff.) (Lepidoptera: Thaumetopoeidae), in Biological Control

Authors: MEHMET KANAT, MUHAMMET ÖZBOLAT

Abstract: This study was conducted to determine the mass production of Calosoma sycophanta L. under laboratory conditions (23 °C, 60%-65% RH and a photoperiod of 8:16 (L:D) h, 85%-90% soil humidity) between 2001 and 2004 in Kahramanmaraş. The adult emergence period of C. sycophanta started on 21 February and extended until 7 March (from soil). When they emerged, they fed on caterpillars of the pine processionary moth. The egg laying period continued for 20-25 days with a hatching period 6-13 days, Three larval instars were observed. Duration of the first instars was 7-11 days, of the second was 8-12 days, and of the third was 15-18 days. The pupal stage of the beetle continued for 9 to 16 days. During this application pupae should be put into humid soil 25-30 cm deep. Approximately 200-250 laboratory reared individuals were released per hectare.

Keywords: Calosoma sycophanta, Predator, Thaumetopoea pityocampa, mass production, Kahramanmaraş

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