Life history of the importedScymnus (Nephus) Reunioni [Col.: Coccinellidae] predator of mealybugs

The life history ofNephus reunioni, introduced from the Reunioni island has been studied. Optimum temperature for the development of the entomophagous insect is 24–25°C. In this case the population has the highest survival at preimaginal stages, life duration of adults and reproductive capacity. The rate of population growth was calculated by the formula: $$w = exp\frac{{In R_0 }}{T}$$ , were R0-reproduction coefficient, T-generation development time. W shows the daily increase in the predator population and is maximum at 29°C.N. reunioni is capable of successfully developing within the wide range of relative humidity. Relative humidity of 55±5% is optimum for development of the population. Due to its ecological plasticityN. reunioni can be used in biological control of mealybugs on a much greater area than the earlier introducedCryptolaemus montrouzieri (Mulsant).