Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata (2015) 155, 162-166

Pingyan Wang, Jianwei Su, Fang Ouyang and Feng Ge (2015)
Orientation behavior of Propylaea japonica toward visual and olfactory cues from its prey–host plant combination
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 155 (2), 162-166
Abstract: The lady beetle Propylaea japonica (Thunberg) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is an important predator of aphids in agroecosystems. The inundative release of coccinellid beetles can be an effective biological control strategy. An understanding of how biological control agents perceive and use stimuli from host plants is the key to successfully implement commercially produced predators. Here, we studied the relative role of visual and volatile cues. Dual-choice assays using foraging-naïve and foraging-experienced P. japonica adults were conducted using cotton plants [Gossypium hirsutum L. (Malvaceae)] with or without infestation by the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Overall, experienced beetles were more attracted than naïve beetles toward cues associated with aphid-infested plants. Experienced beetles were also more responsive to olfactory cues compared with naïve beetles. Both foraging-naïve and -experienced lady beetles integrate olfactory and visual cues from plants infested with aphids, with an apparently greater reliance on olfactory cues. The results suggest that foraging experience may increase prey location in P. japonica.
(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): Fang Ouyang, Feng Ge

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

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Aphis gossypii	Cotton (Gossypium)
Propylea japonica (predator)	Aphis gossypii	Cotton (Gossypium)