Aphids-induced plant volatiles affect diel foraging behavior of a ladybird beetle Coccinella septempunctata.

ABSTRACT: The ladybird beetle Coccinella septempunctata (L.) is an important biocontrol agent of pests such as various aphid species. Despite being one of the most studied coccinellid species, many aspects of its foraging behavior are still not completely understood. This study focuses on the diel foraging behavior of C. septempunctata, investigating their olfactory orientation toward aphid-infested plants, walking activity on plants and on the soil, and feeding rates. In the scotophase the ladybird beetles were significantly more attracted to the odor of aphid-infested plants, on which they also showed considerably higher walking activity then on uninfested controls. Females were more prone to utilize olfactory cues when searching for prey and fed at higher rates than males; this shows that they ar

SUBMITTER: Norkute M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7687164 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature