Functional response of all instars, adult males and females of the ladybird Coccinella septempunctata L. was studied against two species of aphids, namely Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) and Brevicoryne brassicae L., infesting mustard and cabbage crops, respectively. The predatory stages of C. septempunctata exhibited a type II response on both the prey species. The attack rate was highest (0.0192) with the lowest handling time (7.9 min) when the adult female consumed L. erysimi. There was a significant difference in the predicted values of consumption of L. erysimi by fourth instars, adult males and females compared with those of B. brassicae, indicating that the former prey is preferred over the latter one. The adult females prey upon significantly more numbers of aphids than the adult males.

The effects on the reproductive responses and the offspring fitness in monogamous and promiscuous females of the seven-spotted ladybird Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus were studied. Reproductive responses were higher in monogamous and promiscuous females with unlimited mating than those subjected to limited mating. Monogamous females with unlimited mating recorded longer oviposition period and higher fecundity than those subjected to limited mating. Promiscuous females with multiple mating recorded the longest oviposition period, the highest fecundity and percentage egg viability (short-term benefits), and the shortest developmental period, maximum larval survival and adult emergence (long-term benefits).

The influence of two photoperiods (14L:10D and 24L:0D) and four wavelengths of light [white (control), blue (c. 475 ran), yellow (c. 570 nm) and red (c. 650nm)] on development and reproduction of the ladybird, Propylea dissecta (Mulsant), was investigated. The photoperiod of 14L:10D and the white-light wavelength recorded fastest development, maximum survival and reproduction. The developmental and reproductive Performance decreased in the order white > yellow > blue > red. The effect of the wavelength is probably due to the differential predatory response under different coloured arenas.