Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata (2016) 158, 142-151

Bárbara Davis B. dos Santos, Francisco S. Ramalho, José B. Malaquias, Aline C.S. Lira, Jéssica K.S. Pachú, Francisco S. Fernandes and José C. Zanuncio (2016)
How predation by Podisus nigrispinus is influenced by developmental stage and density of its prey Alabama argillacea
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 158 (2), 142-151
Abstract: The functional response of a predator to the density of its prey is affected by several factors, including the prey's developmental stage. This study evaluated the functional response of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) females to fourth instars and pupae of Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), an important pest of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L., Malvaceae) in Brazil. The prey were exposed to the predator for 12 and 24 h, and in densities of 1, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 items per predator female. The predation data were subjected to polynomial regression logistic analysis to determine the type of functional response. Holling and Rogers' equations were used to estimate parameters such as attack rate and handling time. Podisus nigrispinus females showed functional response types II and III by preying on larvae and pupae, respectively. The attack rate and handling time did not differ between the 12 and 24 h exposure times. Predation rate was higher at higher larval and pupal densities; predation was highest at a density of 30 prey items per female, and it was similar at 18 and 24 prey per predator. Understanding the interaction of predators and their food resources helps to optimize biological control strategies. It also helps the decision-making and the improvement of release techniques of P. nigrispinus in the field.
(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): Francisco de Sousa Ramalho, José Cola Zanuncio, Aline C.S. Lira

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.
	Alabama argillacea	Cotton (Gossypium)
Podisus nigrispinus (predator)	Alabama argillacea