Entomologische Berichten (2007) 67, 260-263
Suzanne T.E. Lommen and Jan G.M. Cuppen (2007)
Lieveheersbeestjes: heersers van de akkers?
[Ladybird beetles: rulers of the fields?]
Entomologische Berichten 67 (6), 260-263
Abstract: Aphidophagous ladybird beetles mainly prey on aphids and are frequently found on aphid-infested cropped fields. There are mixed reports about their effectiveness as natural control agents of those pests. A theoretical model, supported by field observations and laboratory studies, suggests that the egg-laying behaviour of ladybird beetles is not focused on exterminating their prey. Therefore, they are not suitable to be used to naturally suppress aphid populations below economic thresholds. Methods of biological control that introduce high numbers of exotic or native ladybird beetles may have immediate impacts. However, they may be less effective in the long run and have other important drawbacks.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
(original language: Dutch)
Database assignments for author(s): Suzanne T.E. Lommen
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution
population dynamics/epizootiology
Pest and/or beneficial records:
| Beneficial | Pest/Disease/Weed | Crop/Product | Country | Quarant.
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adalia bipunctata (predator) | ||||
| Coccinella septempunctata (predator) | ||||
| Harmonia axyridis (predator) | ||||
| Propylea quatuordecimpunctata (predator) | ||||
| Coccinella undecimpunctata (predator) | ||||
| Adalia decempunctata (predator) | ||||
| Coccinella quinquepunctata (predator) |
