First Record of the Predator Ladybeetle, Hyperaspis Trifurcata (Schaeffer) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Feeding on the Cochineal Scale Insect, Dactylopius Opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae), in Jordan

Mohammed Tawayah; Amr Mahasneh; Nizar Haddad1

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Publication Date: 2023/10/02

Abstract: The ladybird beetle Hyperaspis trifurcata Schaeffer is a predator of the cochineal scale Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) that was recorded for the first time in the northern region of Jordan (Jerash, Irbid and Ajloun) where the prickly pear plant Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller (Cactaceae) is cultivated and widely attacked by the cochineal scale insect. The cochineal insect population was monitored in conjunction with the activity of the predatory beetle in six farms. feeding activity of H. trifurcata on nymphs in cochineal colonies was recorded. This confirms and indicates its predatory being as a natural enemy.

Keywords: Cochineal scale insect, Prickly-pear cactus, predator ladybeetle, Geographic distribution, north region, Hyperaspis trifurcate.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8397902

PDF: https://ijirst.demo4.arinfotech.co/assets/upload/files/IJISRT23SEP823.pdf

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