Mitteilungen der deutschen Gesellschaft für allgemeine und angewandte Entomologie (2001) 13, 249-252

Holger Triltsch and Bernd Freier (2001)
Numerische und trophische Interaktion Marienkäfer – Blattlaus
[Numerical and trophic ladybird – aphid interaction]
Mitteilungen der deutschen Gesellschaft für allgemeine und angewandte Entomologie 13, 249-252
Abstract: The spatial and temporal occurrance of aphids and coccinellids within a 4 km² area was investigated by means of sweep netting on two sites in 1998 and 1999. A simple numerical relationship between predator and prey could not be established. In the case of Coccinella septempunctata periods with significant positive correlations to aphid density alternated with periods without clear correlation. Gut dissections of caught ladybirds were carried out to look into the trophic ladybird-aphid relationship. The frequency of aphid feeding and the amount of eaten aphids showed a significant positive relationship with aphid density.
Data on the population dynamics of aphids and their antagonists collected in winter wheat fields during 7 years were analysed. These results also showed that the aphid density was not alone responsible for the presence of ladybirds.
The relationships of numerical and trophic interactions found indicate that coccinellids adapt to low aphid densities.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
(original language: German)
Database assignments for author(s): Bernd Freier

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
environment/habitat manipulation
population dynamics/epizootiology

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

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