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Decay rates for slug antigens within the carabid predator Pterostichus melanarius monitored with a monoclonal antibody
Author(s) -
Symondson W. O. C.,
Liddell J. E.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
entomologia experimentalis et applicata
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.765
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1570-7458
pISSN - 0013-8703
DOI - 10.1111/j.1570-7458.1995.tb01933.x
Subject(s) - biology , predation , predator , monoclonal antibody , zoology , antigen , slug , optimal foraging theory , ecology , antibody , immunology
The rate at which prey antigens decay within a predator during digestion must be calibrated, for a given assay system, in order to define the period within which predation must have occurred. Monoclonal antibodies have great advantages in terms of target specificity, but have often in the past demonstrated impractically abbreviated antigen detection periods. However, the DrW‐2D11 monoclonal antibody, which detects all three genera of pest slugs (Mollusca: Pulmonata) in Britain, could clearly identify predation by Pterostichus melanarius Illiger (Coleoptera: Carabidae) after 2.5 days at 16 °C, a longer interval than has been recorded for any other monoclonal antibody used in predation studies. The half‐life, detection period and decay rate were calibrated with and without subsequent feeding on alternative prey. Unrestricted feeding on earthworm, following consumption of the slug Deroceras reticulatum (Müller), significantly reduced the decay rate of slug antigens. These results appear to contradict the assumptions, based on previous studies, that indicate reduced digestion rates in response to starvation. Possible reasons for this failure to comply with the predictions of optimal foraging theories are discussed.