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The role of predator‐prey size ratio in determining the efficiency of capture by Anthocoris nemorum and the escape reactions of its prey, Acyrthosiphon pisum
Author(s) -
EVANS H. F.
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
ecological entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.865
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1365-2311
pISSN - 0307-6946
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2311.1976.tb01208.x
Subject(s) - acyrthosiphon pisum , biology , predation , aphid , predator , anthocoridae , zoology , homoptera , aphididae , ecology , botany , pest analysis
1 Laboratory experiments are described which give the efficiency of Anthocoris nemorum in capturing its aphid prey Acyrthosiphon pisum. The efficiency of capture increases as the predator‐prey size ratio increases. The relationship holds through all the anthocorid developmental stages. 2 Aphid escape reactions are made up of three basic components; kicking, walking or dropping off the plant. These reactions are all related to the predator‐prey size ratio. Kicking is most successful at small ratios while dropping is most successful at high ratios. Walking occupies an intermediate position but has a generally lower probability of success.