Effects of ten naturally occurring sugars on the reproductive success of the green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea

The longevity and reproduction of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) when fed on ten naturally occurring sugars and on an artificial diet composed by honey and pollen (1:1) were evaluated. The effect of these diets differed between sexes. However insects of both sexes lived longer when fed on fructose than on sucrose, melezitose or raffinose. None of the females oviposited when offered raffinose, galactose or mannose. Moreover, lifetime fecundity of females fed on trehalose was not different from the artificial diet. The intrinsic rate of natural increase did not differ between trehalose, maltose, melibiose, fructose, glucose and artificial diet, being significantly lower for individuals fed on melezitose and sucrose. The importance of these results for the selection of natural sugar sources that enhance C. carnea effectiveness as a biological control agent against crop pests is discussed.