Abstract
AbstractFive artificial plant models mimicking potato plants, each having different and increasing numbers of structural components, were used to observe individual adult Colorado potato beetles (Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say); Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) over a period of 6 hours. The objective was to determine if plant architecture affected residency time, within plant dispersal, and distribution of the species. The number of transitions between sections, the time spent on each section, the residency time on each model, and the proportion of individuals walking off were recorded. Results showed a positive relationship between the proportion of beetles remaining after 6 hours and the number of connections on respective models. The unexpectedly long residency on all but the simplest model in spite of the absence of food indicates that architectural complexity had an impact on beetle retention. Dispersal activity and residency time were heavily skewed towards the top of models. Beetles exposed to positive light gradients of different intensities and a negative light gradient showed that a phototactic response could explain much of the dispersal pattern to the upper model sections. Results show that manipulation of plant structure remains an option for managing the beetle but will require further research on the contribution of heterogeneity and scale to residency time.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.