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Intrinsic advantages of Cheilomenes sexmaculata over two coexisting Coccinella species (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Author(s) -
PERVEZ AHMAD,
MISHRA GEETANJALI,
SRIVASTAVA SHEFALI,
SINGH SATYENDRA K.,
GUPTA AVANISH K.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
insect science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.991
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1744-7917
pISSN - 1672-9609
DOI - 10.1111/j.1005-295x.2005.00022.x
Subject(s) - coccinellidae , biology , coccinella septempunctata , predation , ecology , zoology , predator
Development, survival and reproductive performance of coexisting ladybird species, viz. Cheilomenes sexmaculata, Coccinella septempunctata , and Coccinella transversalis , of the tribe Coccinellini were studied and compared to assess their coexistence and ecological relationships. High values of life history parameters, viz. developmental rate, immature survival, fecundity, egg viability, reproductive rate and conversion of efficiency of ingested food were recorded for C. sexmaculata followed by C. transversalis and C. septempunctata suggesting that the former has intrinsic advantages over the latter two species. This could possibly counterbalance its disadvantages, like relatively smaller size and weight, thereby making it competitive. The developmental period increased with increase in body size. Exceptionally high fecundity after single mating has been recorded in C. sexmaculata. The egg viability, however, was lower than in both Coccinella species.