Prey Consumption Research Articles

Elevated algal and sedimentary turbidity alter prey consumption by emerald shiner (Notropis atherinoides)

AbstractAnthropogenic increases to turbidity (suspended particulates) in the water column can alter the underwater visual environment, resulting in disruptions to visual signals in fishes exposed to these conditions. However, dissimilar turbidity types (e.g. sedimentary or algal particles) are expected to influence the visual environment in different ways as they exhibit differing physical characteristics. The main objective of this study was to determine the influence of elevated turbidity on prey consumption in emerald shiner (Notropis atherinoides). A secondary goal was to determine the relationship between visual morphological structures (i.e. eyes and optic lobe of brain) and prey consumption in different visual environments. We tested emerald shiner consumption of Daphnia magna in three turbidity types (sedimentary, algal and sedimentary + algal) at two different levels (20 NTU and 40 NTU) as well as in a clear (<5 NTU) control. We found that prey consumption decreased in high turbidity (40 NTU) across turbidity types relative to the control treatment. Further, consumption was lower in each treatment relative to the control with the exception of the moderate (20 NTU) sedimentary turbidity treatment. This study indicates that for emerald shiner, while high levels of turbidity are likely to suppress foraging, moderate levels of sedimentary turbidity may be slightly beneficial for foraging success. Further, it is likely that increases in algal turbidity via cultural eutrophication are likely to result in reductions in prey consumption.

Photosynthetic cyclic electron transport provides ATP for homeostasis during trap closure in Dionaea muscipula.

The processes connected with prey capture and the early consumption of prey by carnivorous Dionaea muscipula require high amounts of energy. The aim of the present study was to identify processes involved in flytrap energy provision and ATP homeostasis under these conditions. We determined photosynthetic CO2 uptake and chlorophyll fluorescence as well as the dynamics of ATP contents in the snap traps upon closure with and without prey. The results indicate that upon prey capture, a transient switch from linear to cyclic electron transport mediates a support of ATP homeostasis. Beyond 4 h after prey capture, prey resources contribute to the traps' ATP pool and, 24 h after prey capture, export of prey-derived resources to other plant organs may become preferential and causes a decline in ATP contents. Apparently, the energy demand of the flytrap for prey digestion and nutrient mining builds on both internal and prey-derived resources.

Using video surveillance to monitor feeding behaviour and kleptoparasitism at Eurasian lynx kill sites

Recent technological developments in non-invasive methods facilitate study of the behaviour of elusive predators. We used two types of automatic digital video surveillance systems in combination with GPS telemetry to record feeding behaviour of wild Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), intraspecific prey sharing and scavenger activity at ungulate kill sites in the Dinaric Mountains. This approach proved an effective and mostly non-invasive way to obtain detailed data on the consumption of prey by lynx and kleptoparasites, especially when the advanced video system was used. Lynx spent a considerable amount of time in the vicinity of the kill site, but usually visited the carcass for feeding only once per night with a mean visit time of 35 min and most of the feeding occurred during the first half of the night. Lynx covered 83 % of prey remains, which seemed to be effective against avian scavengers that only found 17 % of the carcasses. We recorded six vertebrate species scavenging on lynx kills, with red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and brown bear (Ursus arctos) being the most frequent kleptoparasites. Based on our results, we provide recommendations for future research using this method, as well as outlining the pros and cons of advanced vs. simple video systems.

The advantages of diving deep: Fin whales quadruple their energy intake when targeting deep krill patches

Abstract How predators maximize energetic gains while minimizing the costs associated with exploiting heterogeneous prey remains a difficult ecological principle to test in natural systems. Deep‐diving, air‐breathing predators face conflicting demands of oxygen conservation to extend dive time and oxygen usage from the exercise required to find and capture prey. How predators balance these opposing factors is additionally complicated by prey patches that are heterogeneous spatially, temporally and in quality. Tags deployed on foraging fin whales revealed that deeper dives consisted of higher feeding rates (lunges/hr), as generally predicted by optimal foraging theory. By simultaneously measuring prey density and distribution in the local environment, we show that whales increased their dive depths in order to forage on the densest prey patches. Despite the increased travel time needed to find deeper prey during a breath‐hold dive, the increase in feeding rates of fin whales and modelled prey consumption quadrupled compared to shallow foraging. Because the cost of transport is low at this extreme in body size, we posit that feeding on the deep prey patches significantly increases the energetic efficiency of foraging. Given the increasing recognition that anthropogenic disturbance can curtail deep foraging dives in many cetacean species, endangered fin whales may be susceptible to significant energetic losses that may impact individual fitness and population health in some areas. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

Macrolophus pygmaeus (Hemiptera: Miridae) foraging on tomato leaves from different plant strata

This study investigates the foraging activity of the generalist predator Macrolophus pygmaeus (Rambur) (Hemiptera: Miridae) on tomato leaves of different vertical plant strata (apex, top, middle and lower). On a leaflet of each tested leaf, ten 2nd instar nymphs of the aphid Myzus persicae were established with the aid of harmless glue, as prey. It was observed that prey consumption was highest on the lower leaves. There was no significant difference in prey consumption between middle and top leaves but it significantly reduced on the apex leaves as compared to the top and the lower leaves. Behavioural observations were conducted to assess the time budgets (i.e. time spent in each activity such as searching, resting, grooming) of the foraging predator on leaves of each plant strata. The predator spent significantly more time in grooming on apex than on lower leaves whereas it showed a higher tendency to fall off from the apex leaves than the leaves of the other plant strata. The apex leaves had the highest trichome density and this may impede movement of the predator. In the third experiment, the prey consumption of M. pygmaeus nymphs was reduced with the increase of distance between its release point and the prey patch on a tomato plant. In conclusion, M. pygmaeus nymphs are most efficient in foraging on the middle or lower leaves of young tomato plants whereas their prey searching efficiency is influenced by the distance between their release point and the prey patch. Therefore, the efficacy of M. pygmaeus nymphs in pest control may be benefited if released close to prey patches but not on the apex leaves.

Additive multiple predator effects of two specialist paradiaptomid copepods towards larval mosquitoes

Interactions between multiple predators can profoundly affect prey risk, with implications for prey population stability and ecosystem functioning. In austral temporary wetlands, arid-area adapted specialist copepods are key predators for much of the hydroperiod. Limited autoecological information relating to species interactions negates understandings of trophic dynamics in these systems. In the present study, we examined multiple predator effects of two key predatory paradiaptomid copepods which often coexist in austral temporary wetlands, Lovenula raynerae Suárez-Morales, Wasserman and Dalu 2015 and Paradiaptomus lamellatus Sars, 1985. Predation rates towards larval mosquito prey across different water depths were quantified. Using a comparative functional response approach, individual L. raynerae exhibited significantly higher feeding rates than P. lamellatus, characterised by higher attack rates, shorter handling times and higher maximum feeding rates. Increasing water depth tended to negatively affect prey consumption, particularly for L. raynerae. Interspecific multiple predator consumption combined additively, and thus prey risks were well-predicted from consumption rates by individual paradiaptomid copepod species, irrespective of water depth. Our results suggest that increasing copepod predator diversity in austral temporary wetland ecosystems additively heightens prey risk across different water volumes, and may help to regulate disease vector mosquito populations. Therefore, the numerical extent, phenology and diversity of predator hatching events during the hydroperiod may substantially mediate interaction strengths in these ecosystems.

No room for dessert: A mechanistic model of prey selection in gut‐limited predatory fish

AbstractPredatory fish structure communities through prey pursuit and consumption and, in many marine systems, the gadoids are particularly important. These predators have flexible feeding behaviours and often feed on large prey items. Digestion times of large prey are usually longer than handling times, and gut processing limits feeding rate at high prey density. Optimizing the gut content mix can therefore be an important behavioural strategy. Here, we develop a foraging model that incorporates gut processing and use the model to disentangle internal and external limitations on feeding in the omnivorous cod (Gadus morhua, Gadidae). We extend the traditional definition of prey profitability to consider prey digestive quality, which we quantify for prey of Northeast Atlantic cod populations. We find an important role for gut limitation; within a range of ecologically relevant temperatures and prey densities, predicted feeding rates were strongly reduced compared to feeding constrained by external factors only, and the optimal diet composition under gut limitation differed from predictions from traditional foraging theory. Capelin, a main prey of Northeast Arctic cod, had the highest digestive quality of all prey across ecosystems, but the cold temperatures in the Barents Sea strongly limited feeding rate by slowing down digestion. Baltic cod fed on a higher proportion of poor‐quality prey compared to the other populations, contributing to its slow growth in relation to water temperature. Gut limitation is particularly important to consider in foraging models for fish with many alternative prey species or fish occupying cold waters where digestion is slow.

Neutral effects of turbidity across a gradient of vegetation density on the predation of juvenile mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi)

AbstractMandarin fish Siniperca chuatsi is a widespread piscivorous species in lakes of the Yangtze River basin. However, their wild population has drastically declined, and survival and growth rates of stocked populations are low. Anthropogenic activities have reduced submersed vegetation and increased turbidity in lakes containing S. chuatsi, thus, we hypothesize that reduced submersed vegetation and increased turbidity could inhibit the feeding efficiency of juvenile S. chuatsi, subsequently reducing their growth and survival. To test this hypothesis, we experimentally examined the effects of a range of vegetation density and turbidity on predation of S. chuatsi. Laboratory predation trials were performed with a common prey fish Carassius auratus offered simultaneously to S. chuatsi in clear or turbid water under five different levels of vegetation density (0, 20, 40, 80, and 120 stems/m2). The total prey consumption per day (in 24 hr) by S. chuatsi on C. auratus was significantly affected by vegetation density, with the consumption positively linearly related with increased vegetation density. The total prey consumption was unaffected by turbidity. Prey size selection was not significantly influenced by vegetation density or turbidity. These results indicate that turbidity does not appear to negatively affect the predation of S. chuatsi, but a reduction of vegetation can negatively influence feeding induced by decreased predation efficiency, and hence might hinder survival and growth.

Ontogenetic and Temporal Diet Shifts of the Invasive Asian Swamp Eel in South Florida

AbstractThe Asian Swamp Eel Monopterus albus is an introduced species in South Florida waters and is considered to be a potential threat to the native biota and ecosystems in the region. As a protogynous hermaphrodite that, under the right climatic conditions, can travel short distances over land and tolerate abrupt shifts in salinity, this species has strong invasive potential. In this study, our main goal was to evaluate the potential effects of the Asian Swamp Eel as a predator on native fishes and other biota. Our specific objectives were to (1) analyze the stomach contents of introduced Asian Swamp Eels from canals located near Everglades National Park and (2) assess the ontogenetic and temporal shifts in their consumption of prey. We dissected 752 Asian Swamp Eels (107–833 mm TL), and 46.4% (N = 349) of the samples had stomach contents for the analyses. The analyses indicated that amphipods, fishes, dragonfly nymphs, Hemiptera insects, and grass shrimp Palaemonetes were the most important prey items for Swamp Eels. Swamp Darters Etheostoma fusiforme, juvenile Asian Swamp Eels, and centrarchids were the most common fishes eaten by Swamp Eels. Ontogenetic shifts in diet were apparent, with amphipods and dipteran larvae most often observed in the stomachs of small‐ to medium‐sized Swamp Eels and fish, dragonfly nymphs, and Hemiptera insects more commonly identified in the stomachs of larger eels. The Swamp Eels also became increasingly piscivorous with size. Dragonfly nymphs and grass shrimp occurred more frequently in the Swamp Eel diets in May 2010, while the consumption of fish and amphipods increased in October 2010. Fish were the most important prey item that was consumed during the November–December 2009 period, although other prey items were relatively important during that collection period. As an opportunistic predator that consumes a wide range of prey, the Asian Swamp Eel likely has its greatest effects on native biota and ecosystems as a predator and competitor with native fishes for resources.

Individuals within populations: No evidences of individual specialization in the trophic habits of an opportunistic predator

Human activities can affect species in different ways, with some species being unable to cope with the human-driven changes, while others can persist and even benefit from these alterations. The main factors explaining the population dynamics of successful species include their use of food resources derived from human activities and the adaptability in their feeding behavior. Among marine predators, some gull species of the genus Larus, such as the yellow-ledged gull Larus michahellis, are particularly successful within the current context of human-induced global change. While the yellow-ledged gull is considered a generalist and opportunistic predator at the population level, some individuals may show specialisation in feeding habitat and diet. Here, we examined the degree of individual specialisation in the trophic habits and temporal variation in food resource utilisation within a population of this gull in the southwestern Iberian Peninsula. We analysed the isotopic composition (δ15N and δ13C) in blood and different feathers molted throughout the annual cycle for reconstructing the diet of individuals and quantifying the degree of individual specialisation. Individuals of this species in the studied population preferably fed on demersal fish throughout the entire annual cycle, with a low consumption of terrestrial prey and human-related resources. Isotopic values also revealed a generalist feeding behavior in this gull species with a very small proportion of individuals acting as specialists throughout the annual cycle. Taking into account the generalist strategy of this population, management measures should mainly be focused on controlling the availability of demersal sources from fishery discards. Future research should prioritise multispecific approaches to study how general or flexible the behavior is in this winning species.

Sublethal Effect of Six Insecticides on Predatory Activity and Survival of Coccinella Septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Following Contact with Contaminated Prey and Residues

Coccinella septempunctata L. is a dominant predator of herbivorous pest insects (e.g. aphids) in various crops in Pakistan. A series of bioassays were conducted to determine the sublethal and residual activities of six insecticides, which are commonly used in canola crop (Brassica napus L.) in Pakistan on adult and fourth instar larvae of Coccinella septempunctata L. in laboratory conditions. We measured the mortality, uncoordination and consumption rate of coccinellid beetle to identify the products with comparatively low toxicity or short duration effects. Six insecticides (imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, profenophos, chlorpyriphos, lambda-cyhalothrin and cypermethrin) were used to treat aphids and arenas at sublethal concentration (LC30). Compared to control treatment, increased mortality and knockdown effects were observed following contact with residues and prey treated with all insecticides. While predatory efficiency of both adult and larval stages of C. septempunctata was significantly decreased after treatments. However, significantly lower mortality and high prey consumption were observed after treatment with imidacloprid and thiamethoxam (neonicotinoids) compared to other four insecticides. Results of choice and no-choice tests using field doses and ½ field doses also confirmed the significant difference in consumption of prey between imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and other four chemicals. Larvae and adult of C. septempunctata preferentially consumed untreated aphids than treated aphids with ½ and maximum field dose over the 5 h experimental period. This study provides information to guide canola growers in their selection of insecticides.

Short-Term Interactive Effects of Experimental Heat Waves and Turbidity Pulses on the Foraging Success of a Subtropical Invertivorous Fish

Sudden increases in temperature and turbidity in aquatic ecosystems are expected for different regions in the future, as a result of the more frequent extreme climatic events that are predicted. The consequences of these abrupt changes in the outcomes of predator–prey interactions are unknown. Here, we tested the effects of a heat wave and a turbidity pulse on the foraging success of a subtropical cichlid fish (Gymnogeophagus terrapurpura) on amphipods (Hyalella curvispina). We carried out a short-term experiment combining treatments of turbidity (3 and 100 nephelometric turbidity units [NTU]) and water temperature (19.2, 22.2, 25.2 and 27.0 °C), considering potential differences given by fish length. Changes in water temperature did not promote significant changes in prey consumption. Higher turbidity, in contrast, decreased prey consumption. Also, we found that fish with different body lengths consumed a similar amount of prey under clear waters, but, in turbid waters, bigger individuals were more efficient than the smaller individuals. This finding is an empirical demonstration that the effect of increased turbidity on predation rate depends upon predator body size, and it suggests that bigger body sizes may help overcome turbidity-associated limitations in finding and capturing prey. Our short-term results suggest that, if turbidity pulses and heat waves become more frequent in the future, the outcome of fish–invertebrate interaction can be affected by local characteristics such as fish population size distribution.

Trophic role of the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the feeding area of Magellan Strait, Chile

Abstract The role of marine mammals in ecosystems has been evaluated mainly in species of high trophic level and results indicate that they influence the structure and functioning of biological communities. In this study the trophic role of the humpback whale was analyzed using an ecosystem model of the Francisco Coloane Coastal Marine Protected Area, Magellan Strait. The model was built with the Ecopath with Ecosim software that also allowed quantification of trophic interactions, predation mortality and prey consumption by the whales. Indices of network analysis were calculated and the removal of whales from this ecosystem was simulated. The humpback whale presented an intermediate trophic level of 3.4 and represented the most important predator for lobster krill and euphausiids, explaining 51% and 36% of total mortality in those groups, and the second predator in importance for the Fuegian sprat, after the long-tailed hake. Network analysis indicated that food web organization and development was determined by low trophic levels (i.e. phytoplankton and mesozooplankton), while fish played a major role in the transfer of energy. The removal of humpback whale biomass in the model produced a change in food web structure. This study approaches the trophic role of whales in Chilean waters for the first time, indicating that humpback whales in the Magellan Strait play a role in the maintenance of the ecosystem organization.

Análisis de las fracturas de huesos largos de guanaco del sitio El Rincón. Península de Puerto San Julián, Santa Cruz.

En este trabajo se estudia un conjunto de especímenes óseos hallados en el sitio El Rincón, ubicado en un médano en la península de Puerto San Julián, Provincia de Santa Cruz. En los sectores de mayor concentración de materiales, al noreste del sitio, se delimitaron y analizaron tres locus de restos óseos. Estos fueron segmentados en cuadrículas con el propósito de efectuar el relevamiento sistemático in situ de las características taxonómicas y anatómicas. La muestra analizada se compone por huesos largos, en su mayoría de Lama guanicoe, que presentan evidencias de fractura. A su vez desde una perspectiva morfológica y funcional se evalúa el origen de estas fracturas. Además se identifican los agentes y procesos tafonomicos que pudieron alterar el material. Los restos óseos del conjunto se habrían originado en actividades de procesamiento y consumo de presas, evidenciadas en las prácticas de fractura transversal/marcado perimetral, en su empleo como machacadores y en otras marcas antrópicas. A su vez estos huesos podrían haber sufrido sucesivos procesos de enterramiento y desenterramiento durante los cuales actuaron agentes antrópicos y naturales, como el viento y el agua provocando su alteración y meteorización.

Variation in Neotropical river otter (Lontra longicaudis) diet: Effects of an invasive prey species.

Predation is one of the main barriers that exotic species may face in newly colonized areas and may help stop or control the potential negative impacts of invasive species in the environment. We evaluated if the consumption of an invasive prey (armored catfish: Pterygoplichtys sp.) affects the dietary niche breadth and trophic level of a native predator (Neotropical river otter: Lontra longicaudis) in northern Guatemala. We examined otter scats from three rivers: two where the invasive armored catfish occurred and one without the invasive fish. Samples were collected two and seven years after the first report of the catfish in the area. We performed gross scat analysis and stable isotope analyses of nitrogen and carbon of fecal matter. Where the invasive armored catfish occurred, it was the main prey item for L. longicaudis. Particularly in the river outside of protected areas seven years after the first report of the catfish, where it accounted for 49% of the otter diet. Concordance was found between the two techniques to estimate dietary niche breadth and trophic level. The dietary niche breath of otters was narrower seven years after the invasion in comparison to two years after the invasion in both invaded rivers, but the extent of the reduction was lesser inside the protected area. Finally, the trophic level of otters also showed a reduction related to the occurrence of the armored catfish in their diet.

Assessing the recovery of an Antarctic predator from historical exploitation.

The recovery of whale populations from centuries of exploitation will have important management and ecological implications due to greater exposure to anthropogenic activities and increasing prey consumption. Here, a Bayesian population model integrates catch data, estimates of abundance, and information on genetics and biology to assess the recovery of western South Atlantic (WSA) humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Modelling scenarios evaluated the sensitivity of model outputs resulting from the use of different data, different model assumptions and uncertainty in catch allocation and in accounting for whales killed but not landed. A long period of exploitation drove WSA humpback whales to the brink of extinction. They declined from nearly 27 000 (95% PI = 22 800–33 000) individuals in 1830 to only 450 (95% PI = 200–1400) whales in the mid-1950s. Protection led to a strong recovery and the current population is estimated to be at 93% (95% PI = 73–100%) of its pre-exploitation size. The recovery of WSA humpback whales may result in large removals of their primary prey, the Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), and has the potential to modify the community structure in their feeding grounds. Continued monitoring is needed to understand how these whales will respond to modern threats and to climate-driven changes to their habitats.

Feeding habits of the Mexican barracuda, Sphyraena ensis Jordan and Gilbert, 1882, in the southeastern end of the Gulf of California

Understanding the feeding habits of the Mexican barracuda, Sphyraena ensis Jordan and Gilbert, 1882, is important to elucidate relevant aspects of its trophic ecology (prey intake, diet breadth, trophic level, and energy flows), which in general provide valuable information on the dynamics of marine communities. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to assess the dietary habits of the Mexican barracuda, S. ensis, and to determine dietary variations by sex (males, females), size (small, medium, and large individuals), and season (rainy and dry). Monthly samples were obtained from February 2014 to January 2015 in the San Blas region, Nayarit, Mexico. A total of 308 specimens were captured. Individuals measured between 30.6 and 58.7 cm total length and weighed between 405 and 836 g. Of the analyzed stomachs, 264 (86%) contained food and 44 (14%) were empty. The diet of the Mexican barracuda comprised 13 prey items from 11 families, 12 genera, and 9 species. According to the index of relative importance, the most important prey were fishes, particularly Sardinops spp. (40.36%), Hemiramphus saltator (40.24%), Opisthopterus dovii (10.83%), Anchoa spp. (4.17%), and Mugil cephalus (3.05%). We conclude that the Mexican barracuda can be categorized as an opportunistic ichthyophagous predator in coastal epipelagic zones that feeds mainly on schooling fish species. The trophic spectrum did not vary significantly by sex or size, but the consumption of preferred prey varied significantly by season.

Testing heavy metals biomonitoring through birds of prey as top predators

The Experimental Zooprophyilactic Institute of Sicily has great opportunities and validated methods (accreditated by the national control unit ACCREDIA) for biodiversity monitoring and analysis of fauna samples. The fauna recovery centers of Bosco di Ficuzza (Palermo) and Colli San Rizzo (Messina) routinely send dead specimens to the Institute to perform every category of analysis for both medical and veterinary purpose. Measuring heavy metals concentrations in top predators is a strong indicator for territory and biodiversity health monitoring to take management and conservation actions for natural systems. In this study, two specimens of the Common buzzard (Buteo buteo L., Accipitridae) were investigated for Cd, Fe and Pb content by an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. Results show that in one sample only Pb levels exceed cut-off values in organs like the liver, kidney and muscle with a concentration of 0,005 mg/Kg. This is probably a cause of prey ingestion killed by lead pellets. In the other sample the only high level was for Fe with a concentration of 0,386 mg/Kg. According to literature (Scheuhammer 1987), Pb present in plumage is probably a reflection of external pollution and it not depends on diet, while its high concentration in internal organs is directly related to ingestion of lead pellets during consumption of preys killed by them.

An exclusion experiment to study the influence of habitat structure provided by Mussismilia corals (Cnidaria; Anthozoa) on the predation of associated crustaceans

Predation is an interaction between species that influences community organisation by the direct consumption of prey, influencing prey numbers, behaviours and traits. The intensity of predation is greatly influenced by the environment, and the physical structure of habitats may influence predation intensity by providing refuge for prey or reducing the foraging efficiency of predators. In this context, the aim of the present study is to verify the influence of predation on the richness and density patterns of crustaceans inhabiting different species of Mussismilia corals, which provide various habitat structures for the associated fauna. We conducted an exclusion experiment to include total, partial and no cage treatments. The richness and density of crustaceans differed among coral species and cage treatments, except between partial cage and no cage treatment. Mussismilia harttii showed higher richness and density in uncaged and partial cage treatments compared with M. braziliensis, which in turn showed higher values than M. hispida. These findings indicate the importance of predation in the structure of crustacean assemblage associated with Mussismilia species and that differences in the richness and abundance of associated fauna result from the different habitat structures provided by each species of Mussismilia.

Strip intercropping peanut with maize for peanut aphid biological control and yield enhancement

Increasing crop biodiversity, such as by strip intercropping, is recognized as an effective biological control measure. However, few studies have focused on the process of strip intercropping to increase natural enemy abundance, reduce pests and subsequently reduce crop damage. In the context of organic peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production, maize (Zea mays L.) intercropping with peanut was proposed to provide habitat for predators that suppress peanut aphid to enhance pest control in peanut. To test this hypothesis, we compared predator communities across monoculture and intercropping systems, investigated shifts of predators in response to strip intercropping systems, and evaluated their prey consumption via PCR-based gut content analysis under realistic field conditions. Last, we assessed the biological control of peanut/maize strip intercropping in peanut production. Our results demonstrated that intercropping significantly increased ladybeetle density and significantly reduced the number of peanut aphids. In the peanut/maize strip intercropping plots, peanut aphid density was significantly related to ladybeetle density. Moreover, in the intercropping plots, more than 90% of the predators prefer to inhabit on maize, and less than 10% of the predators inhabit on peanut. Further molecular gut-content analysis revealed that the ladybeetles inhabited on maize exhibited significantly higher predation on peanut aphids in the intercropping system. Visualization of the food chains indicated that peanut aphid population in intercropping system was effectively suppressed by predator abundances in the early season. In the yield experiments, compared with the monoculture systems, the strip intercropping system presented significantly higher peanut production. Linear regression analysis revealed that peanut aphid significantly reduced the pod maturity index and peanut yield. Our results indicated that peanut/maize strip intercropping could enhance the predator number, suppress pest and reduce peanut loss. This research incorporating field studies and molecular tools demonstrates the successful conservation and biological control of peanut aphids.