Ecology and Biocontrol Potential of a Scale-Predator, Chilocorus nigritus

Chilocorus nigritus (Fabricius) is a common predator of scale insects, especially Diaspididae. It is an effective colonist, native to India and may easily establish in pest prevalent regions. Several attempts have been made in the recent past to exploit it for the biocontrol of diaspids infesting sugarcane, citrus and other horticultural crops. The scattered information on its global distribution, foraging, prey range and predation habits, growth and development, reproduction, mass rearing and releases is reviewed. The interpretation of the empirical data has been made and inferences drawn, wherever needed. There is an asymmetry in the literature available, since much emphasis has been given to sampling, mass rearing and field releases of the predator, whereas its ecological and reproductive aspects are poorly dealt with. There are a number of gaps in the information, such as, influences of its age, reproductive, adaptive and survival strategies, its role in the guild and artificial diets which require further investigation.