Predation by Cheilomenes vicina [Coleoptera: Coccinellidae] on the cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora [Homoptera: Aphididae]: Effect of prey stage and density

Abstract

Consumption of larvae and females of Aphis craccivora Koch by 1st and 4th larvae and adults of Cheilomenes vicina (Muls.) was studied under fluctuating temperature (24-30°C). The early aphid instars were consumed in significantly greater numbers than later instars and females. The feeding rates of C. vicina were significantly positively correlated with the population density of prey. The number of prey consumed daily by each predator stage tested, increased more steeply at lower than at higher prey densities, exhibiting thus the type 2 functional response © 1986 Lavoisier Abonnements.