Visual Orientation of a Ladybeetle, Coccinella septempunctata L., (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), toward Its Prey

Abstract

Prey searching movement of a ladybeetle, Coccinella septempunctata L., was analyzed using a videorecorder to evaluate the insect's visual orientation toward its prey. The ladybeetle orientated toward the aphid prey at a distance of 7 mm under light conditions; it also orientated toward a dummy prey at a 8 mm distance. However, under dark conditions, the lady-beetle did not orientate toward the prey at even a 2 mm distance and, upon coming in contact with it, turned around, rushed toward the aphid and “captured” it. These results suggest that the ladybeetle visually perceives the prey only at close proximity. © 1984, JAPANESE SOCIETY OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY AND ZOOLOGY. All rights reserved.