Effect of temperature on cannibalism rate between green lacewings larvae (Chrysoperla carnea [Stephens], Neuroptera, Chrysopidae)

Abstract

Paper presents a larval cannibalism of green lacewings (Chrysoperla carnea), which was observed during the laboratory bioassay on non-target effect of entomopathogenic nematodes against green lacewings larvae. The most probable reason for larval cannibalism were undersized Petri dishes in which the bioassay was performed. Due to large number of larvae per surface unit, frequent crossing of green lacewings larvae appeared and this consequently lead to cannibalism. In most cases larger, elder larvae consumed smaller, younger larvae. Cannibalism increased with temperature rise and was the most intensive at 25 °C. At this temperature the larval mortality was 22.0 % after two days, while after four days the larval mortality reached 31.0 %.