Natural Occurrence of Hyperaspis sp. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), that Prey on the Pink Hibiscus Mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), Attacking Hibiscus Shrubs

Bahy EL-Din, Ismaeil A.

doi:10.21608/eajbsa.2025.461616

Natural Occurrence of Hyperaspis sp. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), that Prey on the Pink Hibiscus Mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), Attacking Hibiscus Shrubs

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Ismaeil A. Bahy EL-Din

Biological Control Research Department, Plant Protection Research Institute, Agriculture Research Centre.

10.21608/eajbsa.2025.461616

Abstract

Hibiscus shrubs, Hibiscus rosa sinensis L. (Malvaceae), being attacked by the pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus. The predator Hyperaspis sp. was recorded associated with pest species during a study period extended from third week of July till second week of November, in two successive seasons, 2021 and 2022, in Giza Governorate. Results revealed that September had the highest peaks of both the pink hibiscus mealybug, M. hirsutus (7253 & 7984 individuals), and the Hyperaspis sp. predator (105 & 148 individuals) on hibiscus shrubs in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, respectively. Relationship existed between pest species and predator was also evaluated, indicating that, increase of the pink hibiscus mealybug, M. hirsutus population was synchronized with that of predator population. So, this predator plays an important natural role in reducing pest population during its active period. Accordingly, this work can through light on possibility of rearing and releasing this predator against such pest in gardens and landscape and other agricultural plants that are subjected to pest attack.

Keywords