Biocontrol Science and Technology (2007) 17, 983-994

Daniel G. Thornham, Catherine Stamp, Keith F.A. Walters, James J. Mathers, Maureen Wakefield, Alison Blackwell and K. Andy Evans (2007)
Feeding responses of adult seven-spotted ladybirds, Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae), to insecticide contaminated prey in laboratory arenas
Biocontrol Science and Technology 17 (10), 983-994
Abstract: The behavioural responses previously reported from Coccinella septempunctata to the organophosphate, dimethoate, have implications for the effective development of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Through a series of simple tests, coccinellids' consumption rates were measured from live pesticide-resistant aphids, treated with five insecticides from three chemical classes: carbamates, organophosphates and pyrethroids. This study quantifies for the first time the doses of ingested insecticide to which C. septempunctata responds, and demonstrates that a number of insecticides can cause C. septempunctata to change its feeding behaviour. Females were confirmed to eat more than males, and responses to insecticides were observed more frequently in females. Aphid consumption was reduced most in the pyrethroid treatment groups, but choice tests found no preference for either treated or untreated prey in any group. The results are discussed in terms of the mechanism by which coccinellids detect insecticides, and the consequences for IPM.
(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): Keith F.A. Walters, Alison Blackwell

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution
resistance to pesticides

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Coccinella septempunctata (predator)