Response of chrysopids (Neuroptera) to larval tracks of aphidophagous coccinellids (Coleoptera)

Abstract

Choice tests showed that tracks left by coccinellid larvae have generally little effect on oviposition site selection by chrysopid females. Fresh tracks of first instar larvae of the coccinellid species Coccinella septempunctata, Cycloneda limbifer, Leis dimidiata and Semiadalia undecimnotata, did not deter females of the chrysopid Chrysopa oculata from laying eggs. Females of Chrysopa perla avoided ovipositing only on substrates with tracks of L. dimidiata larvae.

Keywords

• chrysopidae
• coccinellidae
• chrysopa oculata
• chrysopa perla
• coccinella septempunctata
• cycloneda limbifer
• leis dimidiata
• semiadalia undecimnotata
• predators
• aphidophagous insects
• larval tracks
• oviposition-deterring semiochemicals
• allomones
• interspecific effects