Predation by Coccinella undecimpunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on Myzus persicae Sulzer (Homoptera: Aphididae): Effect of prey density

To enhance a strategy for the biological control of Myzus persicae Sulzer (Homoptera: Aphididae) using Coccinella undecimpunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), it is important to understand predator-prey interactions. Hence, the voracity and functional response of 4th instar larvae and adults (males and females) of C. undecimpunctata L. on Myzus persicae Sulzer were evaluated under laboratory conditions. This study took place in small plastic boxes at varying aphid densities. Satiation was attained when 130 aphids were provided to 4th instar larvae and 90 to adult males or females. Coccinella undecimpunctata exhibited a type II functional response; fourth instar larvae displayed a lower handling time than adults and attack rates were similar between larvae and adults and, between females and males (i.e., not sex-dependent). Coccinella undecimpunctata showed to be an effective predator for the biological control of M. persicae under controlled conditions, and it is hypothesized that the presence of both 4th instar larvae and adults of this ladybird beetle could increase the efficiency on field pest suppression.