Vanegas-Rico, J.M., Rodríguez-Leyva, E., Lomeli-Flores, J.R., González-Hernández, H., Perez-Panduro, A., & Mora-Aguilera, G. 2016 Biology and life history of Hyperaspis trifurcata feeding on Dactylopius opuntiae. BioControl 61: 691–701

Keywords:

biological control

natural enemies

Notes: Hyperaspis trifurcata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a native predator of the wild cochineal scale, Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) in North America. Here we have determined its life cycle and voracity when reared on first instar nymphs of D. opuntiae and estimated its population parameters using five diets based on different developmental stages of its prey. These parameters indicate that H. trifurcata has potential as a biological control agent of D. opuntiae.