Abstract
In the present study, we aimed to assess the suitability of predatory parameters, namely voracity, consumption index, conversion efficiency and growth rate, as measures of prey suitability. For this purpose, fourth-instar larvae and 10-day-old adult females of four co-occurring ladybirds, namely Coccinella septempunctata (L.) (C7), C. transversalis F., Cheilomenes sexmaculata (F.) and Propylea dissecta (Mulsant), fed on two essential species of aphid prey, Aphis craccivora Koch and Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach), were observed. The results revealed that, with the exception of C7, the other three ladybirds performed better on A. craccivora. Previous studies based on reproductive and developmental attributes have also shown that A. craccivora is a more suitable prey for these three ladybirds, indicating a strong correlation and affirming the viability of using these measures as a mark of prey suitability. In a similar manner, fourth instars and adult females of C7 performed better on L. erysimi over A. craccivora. This detectable difference in consumption and utilization of aphid prey species by the four ladybirds indicates that these predatory parameters can be used as tools for assessing prey suitability in ladybirds.
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