Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Life table parameters and predation potential of the coccinellid Hyperaspis trifurcata, feeding on the invasive cactus scale Dactylopius opuntiae

  • Original Research Article
  • Published:
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) is a significant pest of cactus pear species worldwide. Over the past seven years, there has been growing interest in its distribution, impact, and the effectiveness of its primary predator, Hyperaspis trifurcata Schaeffer, as a biocontrol agent. This study investigates the feeding potential and population growth parameters of the ladybird H. trifurcata, fed on D. opuntiae at different constant temperatures (23–35 °C). The developmental times of H. trifurcata decreased significantly with increasing temperature. The highest pre-adult survival (80%) and the highest proportion of females (43%) were recorded at 25 °C, and the lowest were recorded at 35 °C. The probability of survival to adult stage was highest at 25 °C for both females (43%) and males (39%). The predator individuals at 25 and 30 °C were more reproductive and survivable than those at other temperatures. The total preoviposition period significantly reduced with increasing temperature from 23 to 35 °C, while the mean oviposition period varied from 28.2 days at 35 °C to 36.2 days at 25 °C. The mean total fecundity was highest at 25 °C (388.5 eggs/female). The intrinsic rate of increase was highest at 30 °C (0.117 d− 1), followed by 25 °C (0.108 d− 1), while the lowest value (0.072 d− 1) was observed at 23 °C. The feeding efficiency of H. trifurcata significantly increased with the progression of each developmental stage, with fourth instar larvae and adults being the most voracious feeders on various cochineal instars. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing rearing conditions and utilizing H. trifurcata effectively as a biological control agent against D. opuntiae.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

Data Availability

Not applicable.

References

  • Aldama-Aguilera C, Llanderal-Cázares C (2003) Grana cochinilla: comparación de métodos de producción en penca cortada. Agrociencia 37(1):11–19

  • Batista-Lopes E, Brito CD, Albuquerque IC, Batista JL (2010) Seleção de genótipos de palma forrageira (Opuntia spp. e Nopalea spp.) resistentes à cochonilha-do-carmim (Dactylopius opuntiae Cockerell, 1929) na Paraíba, Brasil. Eng Ambient 7(1):204–215

  • Booth RG, Cross AE, Flower SV, Shaw RH (1995) The biology and taxonomy of Hyperaspis pantherina (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and the classical biological control of its prey, Orthezia insignis (Homoptera: Ortheziidae). Bull Entomol Res 85(3):307–314

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chi H (1988) Life-table analysis incorporating both sexes and variable development rates among individuals. Environ Entomol 17(1):26–34

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chi H (2017) TWOSEX-MSChart: a computer programfor the age-stage, two-sex life table analysis. http://140.120.197.173/Ecology/. Accessed 5 May 2017

  • Chi HSIN, Liu HSI (1985) Two new methods for the study of insect population ecology. Bull Inst Zool Acad Sin 24(2):225–240

    Google Scholar 

  • Cruz-Rodríguez JA, González-Machorro E, Villegas González AA, Rodríguez Ramírez ML, Mejía Lara F (2016) Autonomous biological control of Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactyliiopidae) in a prickly pear plantation with ecological management. Environ Entomol 45(3):642–648

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dreyer BS, Neuenschwander P, Bouyjou B, Baumgärtner J, Dorn S (1997) The influence of temperature on the life table of Hyperaspis notata. Entomol Exp Appl 84(1):85–92

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Efron B, Tibshirani RJ (1993) An introduction to the bootstrap. Chapman and Hall, New York, p 456. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-4541-9

  • Eisner T, Nowicki S, Goetz M, Meinwald J (1980) Red cochineal dye (carminic acid): its role in nature. Sci 208(4447):1039–1042

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Eisner T, Ziegler R, McCormick JL, Eisner M, Hoebeke ER, Meinwald J (1994) Defensive use of an acquired substance (carminic acid) by predaceous insect larvae. Experientia 50(6):610–615

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • El Aalaoui M, Bouharroud R, Sbaghi M, El Bouhssini M, Hilali L (2020) Seasonal biology of Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) on Opuntia ficus-indica (Caryophyllales: Cactaceae) under field and semi field conditions. PONTE in J Sci Res 76(1):259–271

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Aalaoui M, Bouharroud R, Sbaghi M, El Bouhssini M, Hilali L (2019) First study of the biology of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and its potential to feed on the mealybug Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) under laboratory conditions in Morocco. Arch Phytopathol Plant Prot 52(13–14):1112–1124

  • Fand BB, Gautam RD, Suroshe SS (2010) Comparative biology of four coccinellid predators of solenopsis mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). J Biol Control 24:35–41

    Google Scholar 

  • Farhadi Z, Esfandiari M, Mossadegh MS, Shishehbor P (2019) Life history and life table analysis of the predator Hyperaspis polita (Coccinellidae) on the mealybug Nipaecoccus viridis (Pseudococcidae). Biologia 74:1139–1148

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Flores-Hernández A, Murillo-Amador B, Rueda-Puente EO, Salazar-Torres JC, García-Hernández JL, Troyo-Diéguez E (2006) Reproducción de cochinilla silvestre Dactylopius opuntiae (Homóptera: Dactylopiidae). Rev Mex Biodivers 77(1):97–102

  • Goodman D (1982) Optimal life histories, optimal notation, and the value of reproductive value. Am Nat 119(6):803–823

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guerra GP, Kosztarab M (1992) Biosystematics of the family Dactylopiidae (Homoptera: Coccineae) with emphasis on the life cycle of Dactylopius coccus Costa: studies on the morphology and systematics of scale insects No. 16. Bulletin No. 92–1. Blacksburg, Virginia, Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

  • Habi ME, Sekkat A, Jadd LE, Boumezzough A (2000) Biologie d’Hippodamia variegata Goeze (Col., Coccinellidae) et possibilités de son utilisation contre Aphis gossypii Glov (Hom., Aphididae) sous serres de concombre. J Appl Entomol 124(9–10):365–374

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang YB, Chi H (2012) Assessing the application of the jackknife and bootstrap techniques to the estimation of the variability of the net reproductive rate and gross reproductive rate: a case study in Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett)(Diptera: Tephritidae). J Agric Forest Entomol 61:37–45

  • Jervis MA, Ellers J, Harvey JA (2008) Resource acquisition, allocation, and utilization in parasitoid reproductive strategies. Annu Rev Entomol 53:361–385

  • Khan HAA, Sayyed AH, Akram W, Razald S, Ali M (2012) Predatory potential of Chrysoperla carnea and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri larvae on different stages of the mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis: a threat to cotton in South Asia. J Insect Sci 12(1):1–12

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Khodaman A (1993) Biological study of mealybug Nipaecoccus viridis and possibility of its biological control, by crypt ladybird and other available coccinellids in Khuzestan province (southwest Iran). M.Sc. thesis, Shahid Chamran University, 139 pp

  • Kiyindou A, Le Rü B, Fabres G (1990) Influence de la nature et de l’abondance des proies sur l’augmentation des effectifs de deux coccinelles prédatrices de la cochenille du manioc au Congo. Entomophaga 35:611–620

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luna PJA, Rodríguez-Leyva E, Lomeli-Flores JR, Vigueras-Guzmán AL, Vanegas-Rico JM (2018) Ciclo de vida y fecundidad de Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) en Opuntia ficus-indica (Caryophyllales: Cactaceae). Agrociencia 52(1):103–114

    Google Scholar 

  • Mann J (1969) Cactus-feeding insects and mites. Bull U S Nat Mus 256:1–158

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mazzeo G, Nucifora S, Russo A, Suma P (2019) Dactylopius opuntiae, a new prickly pear cactus pest in the Mediterranean: an overview. Entomol Exp Appl 167(1):59–72

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nsiama She HD, Odebiyi JA, Herren HR (1984) The biology of Hyperaspis jucunda [Col.: Coccinellidae] an exotic predator of the cassava mealybug Phenacoccus manihoti [Hom.: Pseudococcidae] in southern Nigeria. Entomophaga 29:87–93

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prasad YG, Prabhakar M, Sreedevi G, Rao GR, Venkateswarlu B (2012) Effect of temperature on development, survival and reproduction of the mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on cotton. Crop prot 39:81–88

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Protasov A, Mendel Z, Spodek M, Carvalho CJ (2017) Management of the Opuntia cochineal scale insect, Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) in Israel. Alon Hanotea 71:48–51

    Google Scholar 

  • Reyd G, Le Rü B (1992) Influence de la prédation des larves d’Hyperaspis raynevali et d’Hexochomus flaviventris (Col. Coccinellidae) sur les colonies de la cochenille du manioc Phenacoccus manihoti (Hom. Pseudococcidae). Étude en conditions contrôlées. Entomophaga 37:317–325

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reyd G, Gery R, Ferran A, Iperti G, Brun J (1991) Étude de la consommation alimentaire d’Hyperaspis raynevali [Col.: coccinellidae] Prédateur de la cochenille farineuse du manioc Phenacoccus manihoti [Hom. pseudococcidae] Entomophaga 36:161–171

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sabelis MW, Bakker FM (1992) How predatory mites cope with the web of their tetranychid prey: a functional view on dorsal chaetotaxy in the Phytoseiidae. Exp Appl Acarol 16(3):203–225

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sbaghi M, Bouharroud R, Boujghagh M, Bouhssini ME (2019) Sources de résistance d’Opuntia spp. contre la cochenille à carmin, Dactylopius opuntiae, au Maroc. EPPO Bull 49(3):585–592

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Seyfollahi F, Esfandiari M, Mossadegh MS, Rasekh A (2016) Life table parameters of the coccinellid Hyperaspis polita, a native predator in Iran, feeding on the invasive mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis. J Asia-Pac Entomol 19(3):835–840

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Summers CG, Coviello RL, Gutierrez AP (1984) Influence of constant temperatures on the development and reproduction of Acyrthosiphon kondoi (Homoptera: Aphididae). Environ Entomol 13(1):236–242

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vanegas-Rico JM, Rodríguez-Leyva E, Lomeli-Flores JR, González-Hernández H, Pérez-Panduro A, Mora-Aguilera G (2016) Biology and life history of Hyperaspis trifurcata feeding on Dactylopius opuntiae. Biocontrol 61(6):691–701

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Volchansky CR, Hoffmann JH, Zimmermann HG (1999) Host-plant affinities of two biotypes of Dactylopius opuntiae (Homoptera: Dactylopiidae): enhanced prospects for biological control of Opuntia stricta (Cactaceae) in South Africa. J Appl Ecol 36:85–91

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors express their gratitude to Dr. Rachid Elaini (IPM Department, Omnium Agricole du Souss, Agadir, Morocco) for providing assistance in obtaining H. trifurcata adults.

Funding

The research of this study was supported by the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), Morocco.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Institute of Agricultural Research, Avenue Ennasr, BP 415 Rabat principal, Rabat, Morocco

    Mohamed El Aalaoui & Mohamed Sbaghi

Authors
  1. Mohamed El Aalaoui
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mohamed Sbaghi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

Mohamed El Aalaoui. conceptualization, methodology, formal analysis, prepared figures, and wrote the main manuscript text; Mohamed Sbaghi. supervision, visualization, and review of the article. All authors reviewed the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mohamed El Aalaoui.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

El Aalaoui, M., Sbaghi, M. Life table parameters and predation potential of the coccinellid Hyperaspis trifurcata, feeding on the invasive cactus scale Dactylopius opuntiae. Int J Trop Insect Sci 43, 2021–2031 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-023-01109-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-023-01109-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation