Hamdi F., Chadoeuf J., Chermiti B., Bonato Olivier. (2013). Evidence of cannibalism in Macrolophus pygmaeus, a natural nemy of Whiteflies. Journal of Insect Behavior, 26 (4), p. 614-621. ISSN 0892-7553.
Titre du document
Evidence of cannibalism in Macrolophus pygmaeus, a natural nemy of Whiteflies
Journal of Insect Behavior, 2013,
26 (4), p. 614-621 ISSN 0892-7553
Cannibalism and the effects of host plant, sex, time and food resources on its expression were studied for the zoophagous mirid Macrolophus pygmaeus Wagner (Hemiptera: Miridae). Cannibalistic behaviour was studied by offering 5 conspecific larvae (first instar) to newly emerging adults. Four treatments were studied: without water, with water only, with a host plant (tobacco) and with both a host plant and prey (eggs of Ephestia kuehniella). Cannibalism was observed in all treatments. In the "host plant + eggs of E. kuehniella" treatment, very few individuals displayed cannibalistic behaviour. The proportion of cannibalism was only reduced when eggs of E. kuehniella were offered. Water (free or via a host plant) was very important for both survival and feeding. The cannibalistic behaviour of M. pygmaeus should be taken into account when planning a release strategy in the context of biological control.
Plan de classement
Sciences du monde végétal [076]
;
Sciences du monde animal [080]
