Abstract
The mechanism of prey finding by adultHarmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) was investigated in the laboratory by offering beetles small gauze or polyethylene bags containing either aphid-infested leaves or uninfested leaves along with empty control bags. The beetles were attracted to bags containing aphid-infested leaves. It is suggested that adults ofH. axyridis use olfactory and visual cues to detect prey. Mate-searching by males and the mating receptivity of females were enhanced in the presence of an abundance of aphids. The presence of aphids, perceived by the sensory organs of the beetles, possibly influence behaviour other than prey-searching.
Résumé
Les mécanismes impliqués dans la découverte de la proie par des adultes d’Harmonia axyridis (Col.: Coccinellidae) ont été étudiés en laboratoire en présentant aux adultes de petitis sacs de gaze ou de polyéthylène contenant soit des feuilles infestées de pucerons, soit des feuilles non infestées, en même temps que des sacs témoins vides. Les coccinelles sont attirées par les sacs contenant des feuilles infestées. Il est suggéré que les adultes d’H. axyridis utilisent des repères olfactifs et visuels pour détecter leur proie. La recherche des femelles par les mâles et la réceptivité des femelles à l’accouplement étaient favorisées par la présence abondante de pucerons. La présence de pucerons, perçue par les organes sensoriels des coccinelles, influence probablement aussi d’autres comportements que celui de la recherche de la proie.
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Obata, S. The influence of aphids on the behaviour of adults of the ladybird beetle,Harmonia axyridis (Col.: Coccinellidae). BioControl 42, 103–106 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02769885
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02769885