Effect of temperature on predation by Tasmanian lacewing larvae

Abstract

A laboratory study investigated the predation and development rates of Tasmanian lacewing larvae (Micromus tasmaniae) under constant and fluctuating temperature regimes Larval development and consumption of second instar cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae) increased linearly with constant temperatures between 1030C Under fluctuating daily temperatures (1025C) development and consumption rates were equivalent to those found at a constant 25C Larvae consumed more aphids during later instars and a maximum consumption rate of approximately 10 aphids per day was recorded Some aspects of larval behaviour are described