Influence of Alternative Prey on the Functional Response of a Predator in Two Contexts: With and without Intraguild Predation.

ABSTRACT: In biological control, joint releases of predators and parasitoids are standard. However, intraguild predation (IGP) can occur when a predator attacks a parasitoid, potentially affecting pest control dynamics. In addition to the focal prey (FP), Trialeurodes vaporariorum, the intraguild predator (IG-predator) Geocoris punctipes can consume the parasitoid Eretmocerus eremicus (IG-prey). In this IGP context with multiple prey, an alternative prey (AP), like the aphid Myzus persicae, may influence interactions. Theory predicts that, in simple interactions, a predator's functional response (FR) to the FP changes with the presence of an AP. However, whether this holds in an IGP context is unknown. In this study, we empirically tested that prediction. Our results show

SUBMITTER: Cicero L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11122098 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature