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Differential predation by Coleomegilla maculata on Colorado potato beetle strains that vary in growth on tomato
Author(s) -
Lu Wenhua,
Kennedy George G.,
Gould Fred
Publication year - 1996
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.1570-7458.1996.tb02008.x
Subject(s) - colorado potato beetle , leptinotarsa , biology , predation , lycopersicon , larva , predator , botany , pest analysis , host (biology) , horticulture , solanum , ecology
This study tests the hypothesis that the generalist predator Coleomegilla maculata DeGeer causes differential mortality of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), larvae differing in their degree of genetic adaptation to tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) as a host plant. Results of a series of laboratory experiments demonstrate that adult C. maculata can cause higher mortality to nonadapted than adapted Colorado potato beetle larvae. The extent of differential mortality caused by C. maculata depended on age of potato beetle larvae; presence of potato beetle eggs; whether or not the predator had a choice among prey items; and, in choice situations, the ratio of adapted to nonadapted potato beetle larvae. Although adult C. maculata have the potential to prey differentially on tomato‐adapted and nonadapted Colorado potato beetle larvae in mixed populations, the magnitude of differential predation in a natural setting could be highly variable.