An improved artificial diet for larvae of the seven-spotted ladybird beetle Coccinella septempunctata L.

• A shrimp content of 21.85% shortened development and increased larval survival. • A pollen content of 4.86% improved survival and pupation rates. • A lard content of 3.03% shortened the larval development period and increased survival and pupation rates. • The biological indices of larvae were optimal when the honey content was 10.02%. • The improved diet reduced developmental time and increased survival and pupation rates. The seven-spotted ladybird beetle, Coccinella septempunctata , is an important predator of soft-bodied insect pests that can be reared on both natural and artificial diets. In this study, an artificial diet for larvae was optimized by using a four-factor and three-level orthogonal design. Shrimp, pollen, lard, and honey were selected as the four key factors, and their effects on larval survival, development, and pupation were assessed. The results showed that an increased shrimp content of 21.85% in the diet could shorten developmental time and increase larval survival. Increased pollen content of 4.86% improved both pupation and survival, and a lard content of 3.03% shortened developmental time and increased survival and pupation success. The biological indices of ladybird larvae were optimal when honey content was 10.02%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]