Chemical stimuli supporting foraging behaviour of Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): volatiles and allelobiosis

Abstract

This mini review focuses on ladybird foraging behaviour with special reference to Coccinella septempunctata (L.) and chemical stimuli. Cues related to aphid finding, such as aphid alarm pheromone, honeydew, and chemical messengers released by aphid-attacked plants are described. Stimuli related to searching behaviour for high quality habitats are reviewed with special reference to the effects of botanical diversity and plant/plant communication.