Laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate
the toxic effects of three different treatments: the bioinsecticide Biovar (containing the fungus Beauveria
bassiana), Andros (an Abamectin derivative) and Radiant (a Spinosad
derivative) on the two ladybird  beetles;
Coccinella undecimpunctata and Hippodamia convergens, that were
reared on a laboratory artificial diet. The LC₅₀ values obtained for
the ladybird beetle C. undecimpunctata were; 2.9608×10⁵ viable spores, 0.8003%
and 0.3142%. The corresponding LC₅₀ values
obtained for the ladybird beetle H. convergens were; 3.8659×10⁵ viable spores, 0.8065%
and 0.3987%, for the three biopesticides Biovar,
Andros and Radiant, respectively. The mortality percentages
were higher in case of the ladybird beetle, C. undecimpunctata comparing
with the ladybird beetle, H. convergens. As, the concentrations of each
treated compounds increased, the mortality percentages were also increased.
Therefore, using the fungal biofungicide; Biovar and the natural pesticide
Andros may be recommended to be applied, for giving more safety on the two
previous predatory species especially by using them at low concentrations
rates. They could be used side by side with other available safe control
methods, within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, to protect man and
natural enemies including predators and also his surrounding environment from
pollution.