Bioecology of Sticholotis cribellata Sicard (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a Potential Predator of Melanaspis glomerata (Green) (Homoptera: Diaspididae)

Sticholotis cribellata Sicard (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is recorded for the first time as a predator of Melanaspis glomerata (Green). Its host range and seasonal incidence are detailed and the immature stages described and illustrated. The egg, larval, and pupal stages lasted for 6.9. 19.5, and 8.6 days, respectively, and adult longevity was 40.41 days. The average fecundity was 48.9 eggs/female. The larvae and adults consumed on an average 653.95 and 1822.49 M. glomerata crawlers, respectively, throughout their life span. S. cribellata appears to be a promising bioagent of M. glomerata in view of its high feeding potential and amenability to large scale mass multiplication.