Some biological aspects and the predatory capacity at three temperatures of larvae of Ceraeochrysa cubana (Hagen) fed third and fourth instar nymphs of Aphis gossypii Glover were evaluated. The experiments were conducted in climatic chambers at 22; 25 and 28±1ºC, 70±10% of RH and 12-hour photophase. The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatments (temperatures) and 40 replicates. A reduction in the median life time of the larvae in the three instars of the stages of pre-pupa and pupa was found as related with the increase of temperature. The highest survivals were obtained at 22ºC. For larvae of first instar, there were no significant differences in the daily average consumption of aphids at the three temperatures. For second and third instar larvae, there was higher consumption of aphids at the highest temperature. The total average number of aphids consumed by first and second instar larvae did not differ as related with the increase of temperature. For third instar larvae, the greatest total consumption was observed at 22ºC, and the lowest consumption at 25ºC. The lowest temperature enabled the highest total average consumption of the larval stage.
Biological control; cotton aphid; green lacewing
