BioControl (2002) 47, 387-398

N. Mallampalli, I. Castellanos and P. Barbosa (2002)
Evidence for intraguild predation by Podisus maculiventris on a ladybeetle, Coleomegilla maculata: Implications for biological control of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata
BioControl 47 (4), 387-398
Abstract: The potential for intraguild predation (IGP) between larval and adult life stages of two polyphagous arthropod predators common in North American agro ecosystems was studied in the laboratory. Predators examined were the spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris Say, and the twelve-spotted ladybeetle, Coleomegilla maculata Lengi. A shared prey item, eggs of the Colorado potato beetle (CPB),Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say, was also provided to the predators, both to provide an alternate food source and to quantify the impact of IGP on the potential for pest suppression by these two predators. Experiments were conducted on single potato leaves in plastic cup arenas, and, subsequently, in cages enclosing whole potato plants. IGP occurred asymmetrically, with P. maculiventris adults and nymphs only attacking C. maculata larvae. Even though ladybeetle adults were generally smaller than soldier bug adults, they were never preyed upon. This appears to be the first documented case of a coccinellid showing differential larval and adult immunity to attack by a larger invertebrate predator. The impact of IGP, when it did occur, on CPB egg consumption was equivocal. IGP did not consistently influence levels of predation on the eggs. Conversely, even when IGP did not occur, predation on CPB eggs by both predators together did not increase significantly over levels inflicted by either predator alone. The implications for biological control of CPB by these predators, which are being considered for augmentative release in potato and tomato crops in the United States, are discussed.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Nikhil Mallampalli

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
environment/habitat manipulation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Leptinotarsa decemlineata	Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
Coleomegilla maculata (predator)	Leptinotarsa decemlineata	Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
Podisus maculiventris (predator)	Leptinotarsa decemlineata	Potato (Solanum tuberosum)