Functional and numerical responses of Stethorus tridens Gordon (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) preying on Tetranychus bastosi Tuttle, Baker & amp; Sales (Acari: Tetranychidae) on physic nut (Jatropha curcas)

Publication date: Available online 29 April 2017 Source:Biological Control Author(s): Jessica F. Costa, Cláudia H.C. Matos, Carlos R.F. de Oliveira, Thieres G.F. da Silva, Ibsen F.A. Lima Neto Coccinellids of the tribe Stethorini specialize in preying on mites, especially tetranychids, and are widely studied for control of pest mites in various crops around the world. The present study determined the functional and numerical responses of female Stethorus tridens Gordon (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to various densities of eggs, larvae, nymphs and adults of the pest mite Tetranychus bastosi Tuttle, Baker & Sales (Acari: Tetranychidae) feeding on physic nut, Jatropha curcas. The predator consumed significantly more eggs and larvae than other prey stages and showed a type III functional response to eggs and larvae, and a type II functional response to nymphs and adults. The highest attack rate and the shortest handling time were obtained on eggs and larvae of T. bastosi. Stethorus tridens consumed proportionately more prey of all stages at lower densities, indicating that S. tridens might be more effective in suppressing mite populations at low densities. The numerical response of S. tridens was maximal on high densities of adult T. bastosi. Graphical abstract

Source: Biological Control - April 30, 2017 Category: Biology Source Type: research