The influence of temperature and food supply on the development of Adalia bipunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

• Main Authors: Ingo SCHÜDER, Martin HOMMES, Otto LARINK
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science 2004-09-01
• Series: European Journal of Entomology
• Subjects: adalia bipunctata; sitobion avenae; coccinellidae; aphidae; biological control; greenhouse
• Online Access: https://www.eje.cz/artkey/eje-200403-0006_The_influence_of_temperature_and_food_supply_on_the_development_of_Adalia_bipunctata_Coleoptera_Coccinellidae.php

The development of Adalia bipunctata larvae feeding on the grain aphid Sitobion avenae was investigated at 15, 20 and 25°C and two different levels of food supply. Increased temperatures accelerated development and reduced mortality rates. A reduced food supply slowed down development and increased mortality at all life stages. The total food intake of larvae ranged from 24-65 mg, which is equivalent to up to 190 aphids. Larvae compensated for low food supply by reducing development rates, high prey exploitation efficiencies, reaching up to 100%, and by high prey-biomass conversion efficiencies, reaching over 40%. The findings are discussed under the aspect of suitability of A. bipunctata as a biological control agent for greenhouse-specific aphid pest species.