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22.08.2022
Walking activity of a predatory ladybird, Cheilomenes propinqua: impacts of photoperiod, temperature, and starvation
Erschienen in: BioControl | Ausgabe 5/2022
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We investigated prey-search activity of a predatory ladybird, Cheilomenes propinqua Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), evaluated as the mean walking speed of males and females in relation to temperature (20, 25, and 30 °C), photoperiod (L:D 12:12 and 24:0), and degree of starvation. On average, the walking speed increased with temperature; it was greater in light than in dark conditions; starved adults moved faster than fed ones and (other conditions being the same) males moved faster than females. The observed daily rhythm of C. propinqua walking activity is mostly exogenous: under constant light it disappeared after the first cycle. An increase in walking speed was recorded during the first day of starvation and persisted almost until the death of females. These results are important for the potential use of C. propinqua for biological pest control in greenhouses.