Determination of predation rates of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephen) (Neuroptera:Chrysopidae) fed on walnut aphids, Chromaphis juglandicola (Kaltenbach) ((Hemiptera:Aphididae) and Panaphis juglandis (Goeze) (Hemiptera:Callaphididae)

Small walnut aphid (Chromaphis juglandicola (Kalt.) (Hem.:Aphididae) and Dusky-veined walnut aphid (Panaphis juglandis) (Goeze) (Hemiptera: Callaphididae) are important pests in walnut orchards in Lake Van Basin, Turkey. In this study, the life-table parameters reflecting population growth rate of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephen) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), which is one of the important predators of the pest, were determined; furthermore, the prey preference of Chrysoperla carnea, between Chromaphis juglandicola and Panaphis juglandis in laboratory experiments at 25± 1 0C, 65±5% RH, and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h (5.000 lux) was also investigated. Life table parameters were estimated according to age-stage, two-sex life table method. Variances and standart errors of population parameters were obtained according to Bootstrap method by using TWOSEX-MS Chart software. The values obtained for the intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), net reproductive rate (R0) and mean generation time (T) were 0.0723 d-1, 1.0750 d-1, 62.48 offspring and 57.16 d, respectively of C. carnea fed on Chromaphis juglandicola. Results obtained might be used in pest management program that will be prepared for the aphids. Key words: Life table, Walnut aphids, Population parameters, Predation rate