The life history of Rodolia iceryae Janson (Col., Coccinellidae) and the potential for use in innoculative releases against Icerya pattersoni Newstead (Hom., Margarodidae) on coffee

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Abstract
Rodolia iceryae Janson is a predator of Icerya pattersoni Newstead, which is a pest of coffee in Kenya. It was studied under controlled conditions at 27°C and 70% relative humidity. The beetle mates 1–2 days after emergence. Eggs were laid in very close association with the host suggesting that R. iceryae was well adapted to exploit I. pattersoni. The duration of immature development was 36.3 days and adult longevity ranged from 15 to 74 days. Measurements of the sizes of different developmental stages were also taken. The age‐specific fecundity and life table statistics under laboratory conditions were determined as follows: R0, 50.160; G, 61.175; rm, 0.064; Λ, 1.067; and population doubling time, DT, 10.830 days. These statistics suggest that the beetle may be an effective agent as it has the potential to multiply much faster than its host. The host specificity of R. iceryae is also discussed in relation to other Rodolia spp. and it is concluded that the beetle will be restricted to feeding on I. pattersoni.