Intraguild predation of Phenacoccus manihoti parasitoid Anagyrus lopezi by two mealybug predators, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and Plesiochrysa ramburi

Abstract Anagyrus lopezi is a specialist parasitoid was introduced to Indonesia in 2014 control cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti. Plesiochrysa ramburi and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri are generalist predator insects associated with the mealybug. Intraguild predation crucial competition an insect community. The study objective investigate interference of both predators on healthy mealybug (unparasitized) or parasitized by A. (mealybug which containing larvae 1-, 3-, 8-, 14-day old). Experiments were carried out non-choice test (served only one unparasitized specific age) choice (unparasitized age together) laboratory under controlled environmental conditions. Both species able fed mealybugs three different (1-, 8- day-old), but discriminated against old (hardened mummies). Interaction between showed antagonistic interaction type. We recommended should be released field at beginning time when population still low could continued release high.