Life cycle, Age and stage-specific life table parameters of green lacewing, Apertochrysa astur (Banks) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) fed on invasive coconut rugose spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin

The present study explores the developmental biology and age-stage specific life table parameters of Apertochrysa astur (Banks), a promising green lacewing species with high potential as a biological control agent against the invasive coconut rugose spiralling whitefly (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin). Detailed observations were carried out under controlled laboratory conditions to assess the predator’s developmental duration, survival, and reproductive potential. The developmental stages lasted as follows: egg (3.3 ± 0.61 days), larval instars I–III (10.31 ± 1.53 days), total developmental period (13.61 ± 2.2 days), pupal stage (7.3 ± 0.7 days), and adult longevity (15.22 ± 1.48 days). Reproductive attributes revealed that the adult pre-oviposition period (APOP) averaged 6.08 ± 0.75 days, while the total pre-oviposition period (TPOP) was 26.77 ± 0.83 days. Each female laid an average of 218 ± 5.02 eggs during her lifetime, with a mean daily fecundity of 28.92 ± 1.55 eggs, demonstrating a high reproductive output and strong potential for rapid population buildup. The life table analysis showed a net reproductive rate (R₀) of 70.9, a gross reproductive rate (GRR) of 95.24, and an intrinsic rate of increase (r) of 0.14 per day, with a finite rate of increase (λ) of 1.15 per day. The mean generation time (T) was estimated at 30.01 days, and the doubling time (DT) was 6.88 days, indicating rapid population growth under favorable conditions. Overall, the results demonstrate that A. astur is an efficient, ecologically compatible, and sustainable predator suitable for integration into biological control strategies targeting A. rugioperculatus in coconut ecosystems.