Life history traits of pest and non-pest populations in the phytophagous ladybird beetle,Epilachna niponica (coleoptera, coccinellidae)

Life history traits of the phytophagous ladybird beetle,Epilachna niponica were compared between a non-pest population feeding on wild thistle and a pest population feeding on cultivated solanaceous crops, mainly potato. The pest population had larger females, a higher population growth rate, a more continuous oviposition schedule, and a shorter developmental period in the immature stages, compared with the non-pest population. The two populations showed no clear differences in phenology from spring to autumn, egg mass size, hatchability, and larval survival rate. Significant differences were found in number of eggs laid per female during the first and second periods, and in the developmental period of the immature stages. These life history traits were influenced primarily by food plant. A higher fecundity and shorter immature period appear to be readily altered by the host shift from thistle to potato.