Abstract: Host-habitat location of the green lacewing predators, Chrysoperla sp. (carnea group) and Mallada desjardinsi (Navas)(Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) depends on the foraging decisions and behavioral responses towards the plant odors released at various phases. The response of mated adults and mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis) infesting cotton were studied to understand the tritrophic interactions. Results revealed that both male and female perceived the green leaf volatiles emanating from the cotton plant. All the stages of the plant were responsible for the orientation of the predator and the mealybug. Higher amounts of the saturated hydrocarbons in the infested cotton leaves revealed better responses of the chrysopid adults. The efficacy of the predators can be increased in the fields by releasing the predators at the infested and flowering phase of the plant. Efficient biological control depends on the ability of the natural to establish on the plant and devouring of the pest.

Key words: Chrysoperla carnea, Mallada desjardinsi;Phenacoccus solenopsis, tritrophic interaction, cotton, green leaf volatiles