Chemical cues produced by conspecific larvae deter oviposition by the coccidophagous ladybird beetle, <i>Cryptolaemus montrouzieri</i>

Abstract

Abstract Experimental evidence shows that oviposition in Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is deterred by the presence of conspecific larvae. A similar deterrent effect is also recorded when females are tested in an experimental set up that previously housed conspecific larvae. It is shown that an oviposition‐deterring pheromone is associated with the abundant wax filaments produced by the larvae of C. montrouzieri.