Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata (2008) 128, 49-56

Ammar Alhmedi, Eric Haubruge and Frédéric Francis (2008)
Role of prey-host plant associations on Harmonia axyridis and Episyrphus balteatus reproduction and predatory efficiency
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 128 (1), 49-56
Abstract: In order to predict possible locations of Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Episyrphus balteatus DeGeer (Diptera: Syrphidae) in the field, we studied their oviposition and prey preferences in relation to several host plant-prey associations under laboratory conditions. Oviposition preference of H. axyridis and E. balteatus females was determined for three aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae)-host plant associations: Microlophium carnosum Buckton on stinging nettle [Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae)], Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris on green pea [Pisum sativum L. (Fabaceae)], and Sitobion avenae F. on wheat [Triticum aestivum L. (Poaceae)]. Prey preference of H. axyridis and E. balteatus larvae was determined with the aphids M. carnosum, A. pisum, and S. avenae. Harmonia axyridis females showed a strong oviposition preference for the stinging nettle-M. carnosum association. The preferred association for ovipostion by E. balteatus was pea-hosting A. pisum, on which fecundity was also highest. Feeding behaviour was less restricted in H. axyridis, in which the preferred preys were M. carnosum and S. avenae. A lower specificity of predation was observed in E. balteatus larvae with respect to A. pisum. These laboratory experiments may help us to understand the spatial distribution of H. axyridis and E. balteatus in the field.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Frédéric Francis

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.
	Acyrthosiphon pisum	Pea (Pisum sativum)
	Sitobion avenae	Wheat (Triticum)
	Urtica dioica (weed)
Harmonia axyridis (predator)	Sitobion avenae
Episyrphus balteatus (predator)	Acyrthosiphon pisum	Pea (Pisum sativum)
Microlophium carnosum (weed bioagent)	Urtica dioica (weed)