author(s)
F Jalilian, Y Karimpour, Sh Aramideh and E Gilasian

abstract
Biological characteristics and larval feeding rate of hoverfly Eupeodes corollae Fabricus were determined on Aphis pomi De Geer at laboratory conditions. The experiments were carried out in growth chamber at 25±2 ºC, RH 55-65% and a photoperiods of 16: 8 (L: D) h. The incubation periods of eggs, larval, pupal and developmental time of E. corollae were determined as 3.80, 12.60, 8.00 and 25.40 days, respectively. Adult longevity considerably increased (9.60 days) when fed with honey solution but in non-feeding situation, it lasted for only 3.00 days. There were significant differences (P<0.1) observed in daily and total feeding rate among the first, second and third instar larvae. Each larva of E. corollae fed on 392.20 aphids during larval period and revealed a high potential for feeding on A. pomi. The third instar larvae played an important role in feeding rate, such that 66.09% of total larval feeding was due to this instar. Per capita daily feeding rate of first, second and third instar larvae amounted to 6.68, 27.85 and 59.27, respectively. Because of considerable reproduction as well as feeding rate, hoverfly E. corollae can be employed in biological control, and in integrated management programs of different aphid species, specially A. pomi.