Qualitative and quantitative prey requirements of two aphidophagous coccinellids, Adalia tetraspilota and Hippodamia variegata.
The suitability of two prey species, Aphis pomi De Geer (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Brevicoryne brassicae (L.), for two generalist aphidophagous coccinellids, Adalia tetraspilota (Hope) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Hippodamia variegata (Goeze), at various abundance levels was investigated under laboratory conditions. While both A. pomi and B. brassicae were found to be suitable, the predators performed better when feeding upon B. brassicae. The prey densities affected the developmental parameters of the two predators appreciably. Optimal growth and development was noted in the prey density range of 40-80 aphids per day per predator. Both species and abundance levels of prey significantly affected the larval period of the two predators. Appreciable variation in survivorship of larvae, prepupal and pupal period, and adult weight was noted by varying the prey species and prey abundance. Longer reproductive period (oviposition period) and shorter non-reproductive periods (preoviposition and postoviposition periods) were noted for females that fed on B. brassicae as compared to those that fed on A. pomi. Reproductive output was appreciably higher for females that fed on B. brassicae, and the fecundity decreased drastically under food shortage.
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar-190 025, India khubaib20@gmail.com.
Mohd Abas
MA
Shah
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar-190 025, India akhtaralikhan47@rediffmail.com.
Akhtar Ali
AA
Khan
D000818:Animals; D001042:Aphids; D019607:Brassicaceae; D001517:Coleoptera / Q000254:growth & development*; D005260:Female; D020387:Food Chain; D008136:Longevity; D008297:Male; D011235:Predatory Behavior; D012098:Reproduction
biology; essential prey; immature survival; prey density