草(cao)蛉是昆蟲綱脈翅目中的(de)一(yi)個大(da)(da)科,種(zhong)類繁多,在我國大(da)(da)部分地區均有(you)分布,是松蚜(ya)(ya)(ya)、柳蚜(ya)(ya)(ya)、桃蚜(ya)(ya)(ya)、梨蚜(ya)(ya)(ya)等各類蚜(ya)(ya)(ya)蟲及松干蚧的(de)重要天敵昆蟲,對森林苗(miao)圃果(guo)園農(nong)田中的(de)蚜(ya)(ya)(ya)蟲蚧殼(ke)蟲種(zhong)群數量的(de)消長起著有(you)效的(de)抑制作用。目前國內(nei)外生物防治工作者對草(cao)蛉的(de)種(zhong)類、生物學(xue)特征(zheng)及其保(bao)護利用展開了廣(guang)泛的(de)研究(jiu)。
草(cao)蛉(ling)分布(bu)廣泛,具有明顯(xian)的(de)(de)(de)地(di)域性。由南(nan)向北(bei)熱帶種類(lei)遞(di)減,北(bei)方種類(lei)明顯(xian)增(zeng)多,并且北(bei)方種類(lei)有明顯(xian)地(di)向南(nan)擴散(san)的(de)(de)(de)趨勢(shi)。在東部(bu)季風環流區(qu)(qu),主要(yao)分布(bu)著熱帶種類(lei)、古(gu)(gu)北(bei)區(qu)(qu)與(yu)東洋區(qu)(qu)的(de)(de)(de)過渡(du)種類(lei);在西北(bei)干旱區(qu)(qu),以古(gu)(gu)北(bei)區(qu)(qu)種類(lei)為主。在青藏高原地(di)區(qu)(qu)存在著一些特殊(shu)類(lei)群,如(ru)多階草(cao)蛉(ling)等(deng)。
絹草(cao)蛉(ling)屬(shu)(Ankylopteryx)主要分布在江(jiang)西、湖(hu)北、湖(hu)南(nan)(nan)、福建、臺(tai)灣、廣東(dong)、海(hai)南(nan)(nan)、廣西、四川、貴州、云(yun)南(nan)(nan)。飾草(cao)蛉(ling)屬(shu)(Semachrysa)分別分布于陜西、海(hai)南(nan)(nan)、臺(tai)灣、廣西、云(yun)南(nan)(nan)和西藏等地。草(cao)蛉(ling)屬(shu)(Chrysopa)主要集中在北方地區,優勢種也比較多,如(ru)麗草(cao)蛉(ling)、葉色(se)草(cao)蛉(ling)、大草(cao)蛉(ling)及多斑(ban)草(cao)蛉(ling)。
在不同地域(yu)有(you)(you)不同的優(you)勢種(zhong)草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)。北方棉區(qu)的優(you)勢種(zhong)草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)主要(yao)有(you)(you)中(zhong)(zhong)華草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)、大(da)(da)(da)草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)、麗草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)、葉色草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)、晉(jin)草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)和(he)(he)普通(tong)草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)等(deng)種(zhong)類。在南昌地區(qu)常(chang)見(jian)的草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)種(zhong)類主要(yao)有(you)(you)大(da)(da)(da)草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)、中(zhong)(zhong)華草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)、普通(tong)草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)、松氏(shi)通(tong)草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)等(deng);在棉田和(he)(he)玉米(mi)地以(yi)大(da)(da)(da)草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)和(he)(he)中(zhong)(zhong)華草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)為主,桃、梨、柑桔等(deng)果樹上則(ze)以(yi)普通(tong)草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)較(jiao)多(duo)(duo),大(da)(da)(da)草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)和(he)(he)中(zhong)(zhong)華草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)次(ci)之(zhi);蔬菜地則(ze)大(da)(da)(da)草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)和(he)(he)中(zhong)(zhong)華草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)較(jiao)多(duo)(duo)。云南省常(chang)見(jian)草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)種(zhong)類有(you)(you)大(da)(da)(da)草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)、中(zhong)(zhong)華草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)和(he)(he)麗草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling),在煙草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)田以(yi)大(da)(da)(da)草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)數量(liang)較(jiao)多(duo)(duo),中(zhong)(zhong)華草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)和(he)(he)麗草(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)(ling)的數量(liang)較(jiao)少。
卵(luan):橢(tuo)圓(yuan)形(xing),長徑1mm左右,一(yi)(yi)般多呈(cheng)綠色(se)或草(cao)綠色(se),卵(luan)的基部有(you)一(yi)(yi)根(gen)富(fu)有(you)彈形(xing)的絲柄(bing),以絲柄(bing)附著于植物的枝條(tiao)葉片和(he)樹皮上。
幼蟲:多呈紡(fang)錘形,體(ti)色通常為黃褐(he)(he)色,灰褐(he)(he)色或赤(chi)褐(he)(he)色。頭上(shang)有(you)黑(hei)褐(he)(he)色斑紋(wen),口(kou)器為一對強大彎管,前口(kou)式,胸部(bu)各節生有(you)大小(xiao)不同的毛瘤。有(you)發達的胸足三對,幼蟲行(xing)動活潑(po)。
蛹:裸(luo)蛹,黃綠(lv)色,橢(tuo)圓形,長12mm左右(you),卷曲在白色絲質繭中。
成蟲(chong):體形中(zhong)等、細(xi)長、柔(rou)弱(ruo),一般蟲(chong)體和翅(chi)脈(mo)多(duo)為(wei)綠色。咀嚼式口器。觸角細(xi)長。呈線(xian)狀(zhuang)。復眼發達,有金(jin)屬(shu)光澤。頭部常(chang)見黑褐色斑(ban)紋,區分(fen)(fen)為(wei)唇基斑(ban)、頰斑(ban)、中(zhong)斑(ban)、角上斑(ban)、角下斑(ban)和后頭斑(ban),頭斑(ban)的(de)數量和位(wei)置是分(fen)(fen)種的(de)特征。翅(chi)二對,膜(mo)質(zhi)透明(ming),前后翅(chi)的(de)形狀(zhuang)及(ji)脈(mo)紋相似,脈(mo)紋細(xi)而多(duo)呈網狀(zhuang),在(zai)邊緣(yuan)分(fen)(fen)叉。
草(cao)(cao)蛉幼(you)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)期共3齡,可(ke)捕(bu)(bu)食(shi)蚜(ya)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)、介殼蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)、木(mu)虱、粉虱等(deng)昆(kun)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong),捕(bu)(bu)食(shi)多種昆(kun)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)的(de)卵和(he)蛾類的(de)幼(you)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong),還(huan)可(ke)捕(bu)(bu)食(shi)昆(kun)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)排(pai)泄的(de)蜜露(lu)、植物蜜腺的(de)分泌物和(he)花粉。草(cao)(cao)蛉幼(you)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)有自(zi)相(xiang)(xiang)殘(can)殺的(de)習性(xing),在(zai)食(shi)料不(bu)足(zu)情況(kuang)下(xia),自(zi)相(xiang)(xiang)殘(can)殺的(de)習性(xing)表(biao)現得更為(wei)嚴重。處在(zai)狹小的(de)空(kong)間里草(cao)(cao)蛉幼(you)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)之間會有較(jiao)強的(de)相(xiang)(xiang)互干(gan)擾和(he)競爭作用(yong)。在(zai)同(tong)一環境下(xia),1頭葉色(se)草(cao)(cao)蛉2齡幼(you)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)的(de)可(ke)捕(bu)(bu)食(shi)棉(mian)蚜(ya)39.5頭,而(er)2 頭幼(you)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)的(de)捕(bu)(bu)食(shi)量僅(jin)為(wei)60.5頭。在(zai)食(shi)物充足(zu)的(de)情況(kuang)下(xia),2種幼(you)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)共存(cun)的(de)機會較(jiao)多,如(ru)果(guo)食(shi)物不(bu)足(zu),會發生(sheng)相(xiang)(xiang)互殘(can)殺的(de)現象(xiang)。
草(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)的(de)成(cheng)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)羽化后,必須(xu)補充營養方可產(chan)卵(luan)(luan),主要取(qu)食花粉、花蜜(mi)和(he)多種蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)卵(luan)(luan)。人工(gong)飼養時(shi)(shi),若食料(liao)不足,或密度過大(da)(da)時(shi)(shi),成(cheng)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)有取(qu)食自產(chan)卵(luan)(luan)的(de)習(xi)性(xing),在饑餓(e)時(shi)(shi)大(da)(da)草(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)成(cheng)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)會咬食同(tong)(tong)種其(qi)他成(cheng)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)。草(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)的(de)產(chan)卵(luan)(luan)前期因種類(lei)不同(tong)(tong)而有差(cha)異(yi),大(da)(da)草(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)一般(ban)為8~10d,中(zhong)華草(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)為4~6d,普通(tong)(tong)(tong)草(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)為5~7d,松氏通(tong)(tong)(tong)草(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)為7~8d。成(cheng)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)壽命長,大(da)(da)草(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)一般(ban)30~45d,越冬代成(cheng)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)有的(de)可達88d之(zhi)久,中(zhong)華草(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)30~35d,普通(tong)(tong)(tong)草(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)25~30d,松氏通(tong)(tong)(tong)草(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)28~39d。成(cheng)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)的(de)產(chan)卵(luan)(luan)量(liang)因種類(lei)不同(tong)(tong)而異(yi),據室內飼養觀察大(da)(da)草(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)產(chan)卵(luan)(luan)量(liang)最高,中(zhong)華草(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)和(he)松氏通(tong)(tong)(tong)草(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)次之(zhi),普通(tong)(tong)(tong)草(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)最少。成(cheng)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)有趨光性(xing)和(he)趨青性(xing)。
草(cao)蛉幼蟲(chong)(chong)因有相互(hu)殘殺(sha)的(de)(de)習性,在人(ren)工(gong)飼(si)(si)(si)養(yang)的(de)(de)容器內(nei)一(yi)(yi)般放有隔離物,減少幼蟲(chong)(chong)間的(de)(de)相互(hu)接觸(chu)和(he)殘殺(sha)。草(cao)蛉的(de)(de)人(ren)工(gong)飼(si)(si)(si)養(yang)飼(si)(si)(si)料,可以選用米蛾卵或人(ren)工(gong)配制的(de)(de)粉飼(si)(si)(si)料如發面干粉、蜂蜜(mi)、蔗糖(tang)等。Vanderzant報道了普通草(cao)嶺幼蟲(chong)(chong)的(de)(de)液體飼(si)(si)(si)料,以酪(lao)蛋(dan)白水(shui)解(jie)液和(he)大(da)豆水(shui)解(jie)液為(wei)主,后來(lai)對(dui)配方進(jin)(jin)行了一(yi)(yi)系列改進(jin)(jin),并對(dui)該(gai)飼(si)(si)(si)料的(de)(de)營養(yang)學方面進(jin)(jin)行了分析。啤酒酵母水(shui)解(jie)物、酪(lao)蛋(dan)白水(shui)解(jie)物和(he)雞蛋(dan)黃配成的(de)(de)液體飼(si)(si)(si)料為(wei)另一(yi)(yi)種飼(si)(si)(si)料。
飼(si)(si)(si)(si)養(yang)(yang)(yang)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)蟲(chong)時(shi),先集中用(yong)15%蜂(feng)蜜水飼(si)(si)(si)(si)養(yang)(yang)(yang)4~5d,待(dai)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)熟和交(jiao)尾后(hou)(hou),再移入(ru)產(chan)(chan)(chan)(chan)卵(luan)(luan)盒中,讓其(qi)產(chan)(chan)(chan)(chan)卵(luan)(luan)。用(yong)啤(pi)酒(jiu)酵母(mu)—蔗糖干粉(fen)(fen)飼(si)(si)(si)(si)料飼(si)(si)(si)(si)養(yang)(yang)(yang)大草(cao)(cao)蛉成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)蟲(chong),能夠產(chan)(chan)(chan)(chan)卵(luan)(luan),成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)蟲(chong)的(de)(de)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)活(huo)率與(yu)以蚜蟲(chong)飼(si)(si)(si)(si)養(yang)(yang)(yang)的(de)(de)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)活(huo)率相比(bi)差異不(bu)顯(xian)(xian)(xian)著;與(yu)粉(fen)(fen)狀(zhuang)飼(si)(si)(si)(si)料飼(si)(si)(si)(si)養(yang)(yang)(yang)大草(cao)(cao)蛉相比(bi),用(yong)啤(pi)酒(jiu)酵母(mu)—蔗糖半固體狀(zhuang)飼(si)(si)(si)(si)料飼(si)(si)(si)(si)養(yang)(yang)(yang)的(de)(de)大草(cao)(cao)蛉產(chan)(chan)(chan)(chan)卵(luan)(luan)前期(qi)、產(chan)(chan)(chan)(chan)卵(luan)(luan)期(qi)、產(chan)(chan)(chan)(chan)卵(luan)(luan)量(liang)等(deng)方面都有(you)顯(xian)(xian)(xian)著改善,啤(pi)酒(jiu)酵母(mu)—蔗糖半固體狀(zhuang)飼(si)(si)(si)(si)料中添加(jia)酵母(mu)水解(jie)物后(hou)(hou),成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)蟲(chong)產(chan)(chan)(chan)(chan)卵(luan)(luan)前期(qi)有(you)所縮短、產(chan)(chan)(chan)(chan)卵(luan)(luan)量(liang)和所產(chan)(chan)(chan)(chan)卵(luan)(luan)的(de)(de)受(shou)精(jing)率提高(gao)、平均產(chan)(chan)(chan)(chan)卵(luan)(luan)期(qi)顯(xian)(xian)(xian)著延長,卵(luan)(luan)的(de)(de)孵化率明顯(xian)(xian)(xian)提高(gao),與(yu)用(yong)蚜蟲(chong)飼(si)(si)(si)(si)養(yang)(yang)(yang)的(de)(de)大草(cao)(cao)蛉相比(bi)差異不(bu)顯(xian)(xian)(xian)著。由于(yu)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)蟲(chong)會取食(shi)自產(chan)(chan)(chan)(chan)卵(luan)(luan),所以要經(jing)常(chang)檢查產(chan)(chan)(chan)(chan)卵(luan)(luan)盒,發(fa)現有(you)卵(luan)(luan)的(de)(de)產(chan)(chan)(chan)(chan)卵(luan)(luan)箔(bo)要及(ji)時(shi)取出(chu),一般1d取1次,產(chan)(chan)(chan)(chan)卵(luan)(luan)盛期(qi)1d取2次。取下的(de)(de)卵(luan)(luan)箔(bo)按(an)產(chan)(chan)(chan)(chan)卵(luan)(luan)日(ri)期(qi)集中一起,或繼續飼(si)(si)(si)(si)養(yang)(yang)(yang),或冷藏保存備用(yong)。
1975年開始試驗用(yong)中華草蛉(ling)防治(zhi)果(guo)(guo)樹(shu)(shu)紅蜘蛛為(wei)(wei)害,不斷地進(jin)行室內(nei)人工(gong)飼養和野外釋放工(gong)作(zuo),至1977年將防治(zhi)面積擴大到90余公頃。通過釋放草蛉(ling)卵,有效地控制了果(guo)(guo)樹(shu)(shu)紅蜘蛛的為(wei)(wei)害,不但減(jian)少了農藥使用(yong)次數,節省了開支和勞力,而且提(ti)高(gao)了防治(zhi)效果(guo)(guo)和減(jian)少了對環境(jing)的污染。
草(cao)蛉適于在(zai)(zai)野外進(jin)行人工釋放,在(zai)(zai)溫室和暖棚內,同樣(yang)有著明顯的(de)治蟲效(xiao)果。例如1977年,在(zai)(zai)北京四季青公(gong)社試驗站(zhan),利用人工飼養的(de)中(zhong)華草(cao)蛉防(fang)治溫室內為(wei)害黃瓜的(de)瓜白(bai)粉虱,取得了(le)良(liang)好(hao)防(fang)治效(xiao)果。
草(cao)蛉能(neng)有(you)效地(di)(di)消滅很(hen)多種(zhong)類(lei)的(de)農業害(hai)(hai)蟲(chong),是(shi)一類(lei)重要的(de)天敵昆蟲(chong),開(kai)展(zhan)對該(gai)物種(zhong)的(de)人工(gong)(gong)繁殖、飼養工(gong)(gong)作(zuo)早被提(ti)到(dao)(dao)日(ri)程上來(lai)。有(you)計劃地(di)(di)把人工(gong)(gong)伺養的(de)草(cao)蛉釋放到(dao)(dao)田間,達到(dao)(dao)消滅害(hai)(hai)蟲(chong)的(de)目(mu)的(de),更是(shi)成果(guo)輝煌(huang)。
中國(guo)河(he)南省某地,曾在棉(mian)田(tian)中釋放草蛉防治棉(mian)鈴蟲(chong),四五天(tian)便使棉(mian)鈴蟲(chong)的(de)卵和幼蟲(chong)減退了80%。
21世紀初,草(cao)蛉作(zuo)為天(tian)敵(di)昆(kun)蟲的研(yan)究,仍在各地(di)(di)不(bu)斷地(di)(di)開展(zhan),在技術(shu)方(fang)法上和滅蟲效果上都不(bu)斷地(di)(di)取得了(le)新的成果。
草(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)是(shi)(shi)全變(bian)態昆蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong),一生中有卵(luan)、幼蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)、蛹和(he)成(cheng)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)四種不同(tong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)形(xing)態,在(zai)卵(luan)期和(he)蛹期的(de)(de)(de)(de)草(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)不能(neng)取食(shi),捕(bu)食(shi)主要是(shi)(shi)在(zai)幼蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)和(he)成(cheng)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)時(shi)期,其(qi)中尤以幼蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)期捕(bu)食(shi)量(liang)大,是(shi)(shi)消(xiao)滅(mie)害(hai)(hai)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)主要時(shi)期。草(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)幼蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)長(chang)得丑(chou)陋,捕(bu)食(shi)兇(xiong)猛,人們把幼蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)期的(de)(de)(de)(de)草(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)又叫做蚜獅(shi)。蚜獅(shi)十分活躍,雖然(ran)沒有翅(chi)膀,不能(neng)隨意飛翔,但卻能(neng)不停地(di)在(zai)植物上(shang)(shang)爬行,到處尋(xun)找害(hai)(hai)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)捕(bu)食(shi)。蚜獅(shi)捕(bu)食(shi)害(hai)(hai)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)或(huo)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)卵(luan),主要的(de)(de)(de)(de)武器是(shi)(shi)生在(zai)頭(tou)前方的(de)(de)(de)(de)上(shang)(shang)、下(xia)顎(e),每當其(qi)發現目標(biao)后,會張(zhang)開上(shang)(shang)、下(xia)顎(e),把目標(biao)緊緊地(di)夾住。上(shang)(shang)、下(xia)顎(e)上(shang)(shang)生有可(ke)以使消(xiao)化液流到害(hai)(hai)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)體上(shang)(shang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)細(xi)溝(gou),能(neng)溶解(jie)害(hai)(hai)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)身(shen)體的(de)(de)(de)(de)液體順著顎(e)上(shang)(shang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)細(xi)溝(gou)流到害(hai)(hai)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)體上(shang)(shang),害(hai)(hai)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)身(shen)體的(de)(de)(de)(de)組織(zhi)會被溶解(jie),而(er)溶解(jie)的(de)(de)(de)(de)液體又馬上(shang)(shang)被蚜獅(shi)吸到肚(du)子里。如此,一頭(tou)害(hai)(hai)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)最后只剩下(xia)了一張(zhang)空殼。每頭(tou)蚜獅(shi)一天可(ke)以吸食(shi)百十頭(tou)蚜蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)。有趣的(de)(de)(de)(de)是(shi)(shi)有的(de)(de)(de)(de)種類象亞非草(cao)蛉(ling)(ling)等,每當把害(hai)(hai)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)吃盡吸光后,還把吸空的(de)(de)(de)(de)害(hai)(hai)蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)體殼背在(zai)背上(shang)(shang),不停地(di)行走。據統計,一頭(tou)蚜獅(shi)在(zai)整個(ge)幼蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)期消(xiao)滅(mie)的(de)(de)(de)(de)蚜蟲(chong)(chong)(chong)(chong)平均可(ke)在(zai)七(qi)八(ba)百頭(tou)以上(shang)(shang)!
草(cao)蛉是多(duo)食(shi)(shi)性(xing)昆蟲(chong)(chong),除捕食(shi)(shi)多(duo)種軟(ruan)體的(de)(de)(de)昆蟲(chong)(chong)和(he)(he)(he)螨類(lei)外,也取食(shi)(shi)昆蟲(chong)(chong)排出的(de)(de)(de)蜜露(lu)、植物蜜腺的(de)(de)(de)分泌物和(he)(he)(he)花粉(fen)(fen)等(deng)。所捕食(shi)(shi)的(de)(de)(de)昆蟲(chong)(chong)包括(kuo)同翅(chi)(chi)目(mu)(蚜(ya)蟲(chong)(chong)、介殼蟲(chong)(chong)、粉(fen)(fen)虱、木虱、葉蟬等(deng)),纓翅(chi)(chi)目(mu)(薊馬),鱗翅(chi)(chi)目(mu)(蝶(die)和(he)(he)(he)蛾類(lei)的(de)(de)(de)卵和(he)(he)(he)小(xiao)幼蟲(chong)(chong)),鞘翅(chi)(chi)目(mu)(葉甲(jia)(jia)等(deng)甲(jia)(jia)蟲(chong)(chong)的(de)(de)(de)卵和(he)(he)(he)幼蟲(chong)(chong)),膜(mo)翅(chi)(chi)目(mu)(葉蜂的(de)(de)(de)卵)等(deng)許多(duo)重要的(de)(de)(de)農林害蟲(chong)(chong)。但也捕食(shi)(shi)一(yi)小(xiao)部分益蟲(chong)(chong),如雙翅(chi)(chi)目(mu)的(de)(de)(de)食(shi)(shi)蚜(ya)蠅(卵和(he)(he)(he)幼蟲(chong)(chong))以(yi)及(ji)脈翅(chi)(chi)目(mu)的(de)(de)(de)粉(fen)(fen)蛉(幼蟲(chong)(chong)和(he)(he)(he)蛹)等(deng),甚至(zhi)可以(yi)同類(lei)互相殘殺(sha),這點在(zai)飼養時(shi)是需要特(te)別注意的(de)(de)(de)。
草(cao)蛉(ling)的(de)食(shi)量是較大的(de),從(cong)文獻(xian)中可(ke)以(yi)舉出(chu)一(yi)些實(shi)例:大蚜(ya)獅(即大草(cao)蛉(ling))幼(you)蟲一(yi)生(8一(yi)10天(tian))可(ke)食(shi)蚜(ya)蟲677.6頭(tou)(tou),成蟲(5一(yi)8天(tian))平均(jun)可(ke)食(shi)蚜(ya)488.22頭(tou)(tou),一(yi)個世代每個草(cao)嶺平均(jun)能消滅1041.44頭(tou)(tou)蚜(ya)蟲。但(dan)也有的(de)報告,食(shi)蚜(ya)量要低的(de)多。九紋草(cao)蛉(ling)(即麗草(cao)蛉(ling))一(yi)個幼(you)蟲一(yi)生(15天(tian))平均(jun)食(shi)菜蚜(ya)Brevicoryne brassicae L.2,077頭(tou)(tou),一(yi)個成蟲則食(shi)蚜(ya)達4,000頭(tou)(tou)以(yi)上(shang)。
普(pu)(pu)通(tong)草蛉(ling)吃(chi)(chi)介殼(ke)蟲(chong)(chong)的(de)記(ji)錄也是驚人的(de),在我(wo)國臺灣省,一(yi)個幼(you)(you)蟲(chong)(chong)可吃(chi)(chi)3,780頭(tou)介殼(ke)蟲(chong)(chong);在中(zhong)東,一(yi)個幼(you)(you)蟲(chong)(chong)14天吃(chi)(chi)介殼(ke)蟲(chong)(chong)(Massococcus sp.)的(de)卵6,457粒。在法國,普(pu)(pu)通(tong)草蛉(ling)幼(you)(you)蟲(chong)(chong)捕食多種葡萄(tao)害蟲(chong)(chong),一(yi)個蚜獅至成長(chang)可以吃(chi)(chi)葡萄(tao)綴穗(sui)蛾Polychrotisbotrana Schiff的(de)幼(you)(you)蟲(chong)(chong)60頭(tou)。
農藥的(de)(de)種類及使用劑(ji)(ji)量對草(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)有一定(ding)的(de)(de)影響(xiang)。草(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)對有機氯、菊酯(zhi)類農藥等的(de)(de)耐(nai)(nai)受力較(jiao)(jiao)強(qiang),但是對有機磷、氨基甲酸醋類農藥敏感;幼期比(bi)成(cheng)(cheng)蟲(chong)的(de)(de)耐(nai)(nai)藥力強(qiang)。微(wei)生(sheng)物殺蟲(chong)劑(ji)(ji)、植物提取物、殺螨劑(ji)(ji)和殺菌劑(ji)(ji)對草(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)的(de)(de)生(sheng)長發育(yu)和生(sheng)殖力等無明顯的(de)(de)影響(xiang)。滅(mie)幼脲Ⅰ號和滅(mie)幼脲Ⅱ號對中(zhong)(zhong)華(hua)草(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)成(cheng)(cheng)蟲(chong)的(de)(de)致死作(zuo)用較(jiao)(jiao)小,但可導致成(cheng)(cheng)蟲(chong)不(bu)育(yu),對幼蟲(chong)和卵有較(jiao)(jiao)強(qiang)的(de)(de)致死作(zuo)用。抑(yi)太(tai)保則對中(zhong)(zhong)華(hua)草(cao)(cao)(cao)嶺成(cheng)(cheng)蟲(chong)有較(jiao)(jiao)強(qiang)的(de)(de)致死作(zuo)用。擬除蟲(chong)菊酯(zhi)類藥劑(ji)(ji)中(zhong)(zhong)的(de)(de)三氟氯氰(qing)(qing)菊酯(zhi)對中(zhong)(zhong)華(hua)草(cao)(cao)(cao)蛉(ling)的(de)(de)毒(du)力高出(chu)氰(qing)(qing)戊菊酯(zhi)44~81倍。