Abstract
Effectiveness of natural enemies greatly depends on their functional responses, one of the key components in the selection of biological control predators. The aim of this study was to describe the functional response of third-instar Chrysoperla carnea Stephens (Neuroptera: Chrysopiade) on fourth-instar Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae). We determined the type of functional response by logistic regression analysis, which suggested that C. carnea exhibited a type III functional response. The handling time estimated was of 0.0066 (±0.0026) and, attack coefficient “a” is made a function of prey density(a = bNo). Chrysoperla carnea larvae ate an increasingly larger number of M. persicae nymphs as the prey density increased. We obtained an initial accelerated response, because C. carnea became more efficient at finding M. persicae. Roger's model did forecast correctly the expected number of eaten preys, but, the value of Th overestimated the maximum number “T/Th” of preys eaten by one C. carnea predatory larva.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington
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.
