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Jonathan G. Lundgren - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Why eat extrafloral nectar? Understanding food selection by Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
    BioControl, 2012
    Co-Authors: Beth Choate, Jonathan G. Lundgren
    Abstract:

    Methods of increasing predator abundance within a habitat include the incorporation of non-prey food items, yet the influence of this on predation intensity toward herbivores remains unknown. In order to gain an understanding of nectar feeding in the predaceous beetle, Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer), laboratory studies were conducted evaluating prey consumption in the presence of extrafloral nectaries. The physiology of beetles with access to prey only and a mixed diet were compared. To elucidate results of beetle physiology, Y-tube olfactometer studies were conducted and preferences between food types evaluated. Coleomegilla maculata females consumed 9 % fewer aphids when nectar was available. Lipid and glycogen content, as well as oocyte volume were not increased upon consumption of a mixed diet. Evaluation of predator behavior when offered both food resources together and separately demonstrated that extrafloral nectaries are attractive.

  • effect of prior diet on consumption and digestion of prey and non prey food by adults of the generalist predator Coleomegilla maculata
    Entomologia Experimentalis Et Applicata, 2011
    Co-Authors: Donald C. Weber, Jonathan G. Lundgren
    Abstract:

    Insect omnivores may vary in their diets and digestion based on extrinsic and intrinsic factors, including gender and nutritional history. Here, we test two hypotheses involving an insect omnivore, Coleomegilla maculata DeGeer (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), feeding on prey [eggs of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)] and non-prey [pollen of maize, Zea mays L. (Poaceae)] foods: (1) males and females consume different quantities of prey and non-prey food within a set period of time, and they digest these two foods at varying rates; and (2) dietary experience (prey vs. non-prey) affects the subsequent digestion of adults consuming these foods. Adults fed eggs or pollen did not ingest different quantities of food, although females consumed marginally more pollen than males, and males consumed marginally more eggs than females. Digestion rates, as measured by decline of quantitative PCR marker in the predators, were not significantly different for males and females, and corresponded to a quantitative half-life of 56 min for pollen and 46 min for eggs. But when newly eclosed females were fed with only prey for 7 days, they subsequently did not measurably digest non-prey food over 8 h, compared with females fed previously on pollen, which digested it with an estimated half-life of 45 min. Thus, feeding experience with some prey may cause changes in the digestive system of the predator, which later impair digestion of non-prey foods such as pollen by omnivores. This may have implications for survival and reproduction of omnivorous natural enemies released into the field or diet-switching associated with movement among habitats.

  • Effect of prior diet on consumption and digestion of prey and non‐prey food by adults of the generalist predator Coleomegilla maculata
    Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 2011
    Co-Authors: Donald C. Weber, Jonathan G. Lundgren
    Abstract:

    Insect omnivores may vary in their diets and digestion based on extrinsic and intrinsic factors, including gender and nutritional history. Here, we test two hypotheses involving an insect omnivore, Coleomegilla maculata DeGeer (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), feeding on prey [eggs of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)] and non-prey [pollen of maize, Zea mays L. (Poaceae)] foods: (1) males and females consume different quantities of prey and non-prey food within a set period of time, and they digest these two foods at varying rates; and (2) dietary experience (prey vs. non-prey) affects the subsequent digestion of adults consuming these foods. Adults fed eggs or pollen did not ingest different quantities of food, although females consumed marginally more pollen than males, and males consumed marginally more eggs than females. Digestion rates, as measured by decline of quantitative PCR marker in the predators, were not significantly different for males and females, and corresponded to a quantitative half-life of 56 min for pollen and 46 min for eggs. But when newly eclosed females were fed with only prey for 7 days, they subsequently did not measurably digest non-prey food over 8 h, compared with females fed previously on pollen, which digested it with an estimated half-life of 45 min. Thus, feeding experience with some prey may cause changes in the digestive system of the predator, which later impair digestion of non-prey foods such as pollen by omnivores. This may have implications for survival and reproduction of omnivorous natural enemies released into the field or diet-switching associated with movement among habitats.

  • Tritrophic Interactions Among Bt (Cry3Bb1) Corn, Aphid Prey, and the Predator Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
    Environmental Entomology, 2005
    Co-Authors: Jonathan G. Lundgren, Robert N. Wiedenmann
    Abstract:

    Abstract The ability of the transgenic corn rootworm resistant corn (Zea mays L.) hybrid, MON 863, to affect the predator Coleomegilla maculata DeGeer (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) through the consumption of corn-fed aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis, Homoptera: Aphididae) prey was examined in the laboratory. Aphid weight was used as an index of prey quality. Larvae of C. maculata were reared to pupation on aphids that had consumed transgenic or nontransgenic (susceptible) corn plants. Larval duration, survivorship to pupation, postmortem adult dry weight (taken at 30 d after eclosion), adult mobility, and fecundity were compared for C. maculata between treatments. Fitness parameters of C. maculata were similar between transgenic and susceptible treatments, despite a 33% reduction in the weight of aphid prey reared on MON 863. Using immunostrip tests, Cry3Bb1 was detectable in the leaves of MON 863 but not in the susceptible plant, aphids, or C. maculata that were fed aphids. We conclude that transgenic corn that...

  • Quantification of consumption of corn pollen by the predator Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) during anthesis in an Illinois cornfield
    Agricultural and Forest Entomology, 2005
    Co-Authors: Jonathan G. Lundgren, Alison Huber, Robert N. Wiedenmann
    Abstract:

    Coleomegilla maculata DeGeer feeds on corn pollen in the field, but the degree to which this predator relies on corn pollen as part of its diet is not well understood. We quantified the amount of pollen consumed by C. maculata second, third and fourth instars and adults in the field. 2 Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the digestion rate and duration of different stadia or stages using temperature regimens that reflected field conditions during anthesis. Coleomegilla maculata larvae and adults were collected from the field and the amount of pollen in their digestive tracts was determined gravimetrically. The rate of digestion, duration of each life stage and the field observations were used to estimate the amount of pollen consumed by second, third and fourth instars and adults. 3 Our models estimate that larvae consume 0.66, 1.67 and 3.30 mg of pollen during the second, third and fourth stadia, respectively. Adults consumed an estimated 13.15 mg during anthesis. 4 The relevance of our results to ecological risk assessment of transgenic insecti- cidal corn and predator life history strategies is discussed. The results presented here are a first attempt to quantify pollen consumption by a predator, and future areas of research are suggested.

Eric W. Riddick - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • do bioflavonoids in juniperus virginiana heartwood stimulate oviposition in the ladybird Coleomegilla maculata
    International Journal of Insect Science, 2018
    Co-Authors: Eric W. Riddick, Fred J Eller, Mark A Berhow
    Abstract:

    Maximizing the reproductive potential of ladybird beetles fed factitious foods or artificial diets, in lieu of natural prey, is a major challenge to cost-effective mass rearing for augmentative biological control. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that compounds in redcedar, Juniperus virginiana, stimulate oviposition in the ladybird Coleomegilla maculata. We also tested the prediction that several bioflavonoids, identified in heartwood fractions, elicited this behavioral response. Phenolic compounds were extracted from J. virginiana heartwood sawdust, separated into several fractions, then presented to adult beetles, in a powdered, pure form, in the laboratory. Females preferentially oviposited within 1 to 2 cm of fractions B, C, D, and E, but not A or the unfractionated extract, at the base of test cages. Chemical analysis identified bioflavonoids in heartwood fractions and subsequent bioassays using several identified in fractions C, D, and E confirmed that quercetin, taxifolin, and naringenin (to a lesser extent) stimulated oviposition. All tested fractions and bioflavonoids readily adhered to the chorion of freshly laid eggs but did not reduce egg hatch. This study demonstrates that several bioflavonoids stimulate oviposition by C. maculata and could be useful for mass rearing programs.

  • use of tenebrio molitor coleoptera tenebrionidae powder to enhance artificial diet formulations for Coleomegilla maculata coleoptera coccinellidae
    Biological Control, 2016
    Co-Authors: Guadalupe M Rojas, Juan A Moralesramos, Eric W. Riddick
    Abstract:

    Abstract The predatory lady beetle Coleomegilla maculata has potential to control several arthropod pests on crop plants in greenhouses and high tunnels. However, an effective artificial diet is needed in order to mass produce C. maculata in sufficient quantities for augmentative releases. The objectives of this study were to develop a semi-solid insect-free artificial diet, evaluate the diet effects on C. maculata fitness, and determine if adding extracts (consisting of dry powder of whole pupae) of the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, could improve the suitability of the diet formulations and the life parameters of C. maculata. Although C. maculata completed development and reproduced on two meridic artificial diet formulations (M1 and M2), neither one was as effective as a control diet mix consisting of Ephestia kuehniella, Artemia sp. eggs, and bee pollen. Incorporation of T. molitor extracts into the diet formulation (5 and 7% in diets T1 and T2, respectively), significantly improved C. maculata larval survival, shortened post-embryonic development time, increased fecundity and egg viability as compared to the meridic diet formulations. Adults feeding on diets T1 and T2 (containing T. molitor extracts) produced more eggs and had a better survival than those feeding on the control diet mix. Also, egg viability was significantly higher in diets T1 and T2 than in the control. Demographic parameters showed that the overall fitness of C. maculata fed the meridic diet containing T. molitor extracts was superior to beetles fed the control mix. The role of feeding stimulation by T. molitor added components as responsible for the diet improvement is discussed.

  • Effects of Rearing Density on Survival, Growth, and Development of the Ladybird Coleomegilla maculata in Culture
    Insects, 2015
    Co-Authors: Eric W. Riddick
    Abstract:

    Our research focuses on developing techniques to rear ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). We evaluated the effects of rearing density on survival, growth, and development of Coleomegilla maculata. The hypothesis that a low to moderate rearing density has limited or no effects on survival and development was tested. C. maculata first instars were reared to pupae at a density of 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20 individuals per arena (2.5 cm high, 9.0 cm diameter, and 159 cm3 volume) and fed powdered brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana) eggs. More larvae survived at the 1 and 5 densities, but no differences were detected between the 10, 15, or 20 densities. Median survival rate was at least 90% for larvae and 100% for pupae at the 10, 15, and 20 densities. Development time, body weight, and sex ratio were unaffected by rearing density. Overall, this study suggests that C. maculata larvae can be reared successfully at a density of 20 larvae/159 cm3 (≈ 0.126 larvae/cm3) in containers provisioned with powdered A. franciscana eggs. Scaling-up the size of containers, and C. maculata density in these containers, should be possible.

  • does a change from whole to powdered food artemia franciscana eggs increase oviposition in the ladybird Coleomegilla maculata
    Insects, 2015
    Co-Authors: Eric W. Riddick, Zhixin Wu
    Abstract:

    The limited availability of alternative foods to replace natural prey hinders cost-effective mass production of ladybird beetles for augmentative biological control. We compared the effects of powdered vs. whole Artemia franciscana (A. franciscana) (brine shrimp) eggs with or without a dietary supplement on development and reproduction of Coleomegilla maculata (C. maculata) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). We tested the hypotheses that (1) powdered A. franciscana eggs are more suitable than whole eggs; and (2) palmitic acid, a common fatty acid in natural prey, i.e., aphids, is an effective dietary supplement. Development time, pre-imaginal survival, sex ratio, and body weight of adults did not differ significantly amongst individuals fed powdered vs. whole eggs, with or without 5% palmitic acid. Significantly more oviposition occurred when females were fed powdered eggs than whole eggs and powdered eggs with 5% palmitic acid than whole eggs with or without 5% palmitic acid. A weak functional relationship was found between pre-oviposition time and total oviposition by females fed powdered eggs with 5% palmitic acid; pre-oviposition time decreased as oviposition increased. Food treatments had no significant differential effect on progeny (egg) hatch rate. In conclusion, a simple change in A. franciscana egg texture and particle size (i.e., blending whole eggs into a dust-like powder) increases oviposition in C. maculata. Supplementing powdered eggs with 5% palmitic acid might accelerate oogenesis (egg maturation) in some females.

  • Potential utilization of Artemia franciscana eggs as food for Coleomegilla maculata
    BioControl, 2014
    Co-Authors: Eric W. Riddick, Zhixin Wu, M. Guadalupe Rojas
    Abstract:

    A major hindrance to mass rearing predators for augmentative biological control is the limited availability of inexpensive, alternative foods in lieu of natural prey or target prey. We tested the hypothesis that brine shrimp eggs ( Artemia franciscana ) are a suitable alternative food that support the development of the predatory ladybird beetle, Coleomegilla maculata . Laboratory bioassays determined the effects of A . franciscana on C . maculata growth, development and reproduction. In comparison to Mediterranean flour moth eggs ( Ephestia kuehniella ), A . franciscana eggs were suitable for growth and development, but not for reproduction. C . maculata females oviposited less often when fed A . franciscana rather than E . kuehniella . One reason for the low oviposition rate could be less soluble protein in A . franciscana than in E . kuehniella , as determined by biochemical analysis. Further research is needed to identify all deficiencies in A . franciscana and explore the possibility of using supplemental nutrients to counteract them.

Margaret L Allen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • characteristics of a laboratory strain of Coleomegilla maculata with a novel heritable wing spot pattern trait
    Advances in Entomology, 2016
    Co-Authors: Margaret L Allen
    Abstract:

    The lady beetle Coleomegilla maculata is a common New World insect that is naturally colored pink to red or orange with black spots on the forewings of the adult stage. Previous laboratory in-breeding resulted in selection for a strain lacking red pigment in the cuticle and eyes. An additional strain selected for a novel spotting pattern is described here. The inheritance of the new trait, “ten spotted” (10sp), was determined by classical crossing experiments. Inheritance of the trait was autosomal and exhibited incomplete dominance. Bionomic strain measurements were compared to the parental strains and were similar overall. Two expressed sequences from C. maculata that may be related to the new phenotype were compared to model insect genes encoding a melanin biosynthesis enzyme and a patterning transcription factor.

  • Pigmentation Restored in Mutant Laboratory Strain of the Lady Beetle Coleomegilla maculata through Dietary Supplementation
    Advances in Entomology, 2016
    Co-Authors: Margaret L Allen
    Abstract:

    A laboratory colony of Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer), ye, selected for a pigmentation deficiency, was restored to near wild type cuticle coloration by adding crushed heads and wings of the red colored parental strain to the diet. While the wings and other colored portions of the cuticle re-gained the red color, the eyes of the pigmentation deficient insects were not changed from the pale mutant form. Plant derived carotenes lycopene and beta-carotene did not restore the mutant beetles to a visibly distinguishable red color. An additional pigmentation deficient mutant strain, gold, partially recovered red cuticle color when provided with diet containing pigmented insect particles. This work represents the first rescue of a color phenotype in a lady beetle.

  • Characterization of Adult Transcriptomes from the Omnivorous Lady Beetle Coleomegilla maculata Fed Pollen or Insect Egg Diet.
    Journal of genomics, 2015
    Co-Authors: Margaret L Allen
    Abstract:

    Diet, nutrition, and obesity are important topics of current research. While many insect genome and/or transcriptome models are based on dietary specialists, the lady beetle Coleomegilla maculata, a common New World species, is highly omnivorous. C. maculata feeds on plants, fungi, insects and other arthropods; its diet frequently includes conspecific cannibalism. This study reports and discusses the first nutritionally based C. maculata transcriptomes. These transcriptomes were prepared from highly inbred specimens provided limited diets, after adult eclosion, of either pollen only or eggs of a soft bodied hemipteran insect only. Selected sequences from the transcriptomes were compared to verify basic genetic similarity of the sampled individuals. Differentially expressed genes associated with these diets were identified to aid with studies of omnivore diet and nutrition. Selected transcriptome sequences described herein are filed with the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), GenBank Bioproject PRJNA236444.

  • Greenhouse Evaluation of Neonate and Adult Applications of Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to Control Twospotted Spider Mite Infestations
    Florida Entomologist, 2015
    Co-Authors: Margaret L Allen
    Abstract:

    Abstract The lady beetle Coleomegilla maculata DeGeer (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a euryphagous predator that is known to consume the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). Spider mites are frequently problematic in greenhouse operations and often cause damage to the ornamental and bedding plant Impatiens walleriana Hook f. (Ericales: Balsaminaceae). Increasing demand for alternatives to pesticides combined with resistance to registered pest control products necessitates the evaluation of viable alternatives. In this study, naive impatiens were intentionally infested with twospotted spider mites. When damage was visible on experimental plants, they were treated with lady beetles in containment cages. One treatment was adult C. maculata and another treatment was neonate C. maculata using recently developed methods for rearing and harvesting eggs. Levels of spider mite infestation were assessed after treatments, and images of the treated and untreated plants were collect...

  • [Supplementary Material] Greenhouse evaluation of neonate and adult applications of Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to control twospotted spider mite infestations
    Florida Entomologist, 2015
    Co-Authors: Margaret L Allen
    Abstract:

    The lady beetle Coleomegilla maculata DeGeer (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a euryphagous predator that is known to consume the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). Spider mites are frequently problematic in greenhouse operations and often cause damage to the ornamental and bedding plant Impatiens walleriana Hook f. (Ericales: Balsaminaceae). Increasing demand for alternatives to pesti­cides combined with resistance to registered pest control products necessitates the evaluation of viable alternatives. In this study, naive impatiens were intentionally infested with twospotted spider mites. When damage was visible on experimental plants, they were treated with lady beetles in containment cages. One treatment was adult C. maculata and another treatment was neonate C. maculata using recently developed methods for rearing and harvesting eggs . Levels of spider mite infestation were assessed after treatments, and images of the treated and untreated plants were collected to assess the effectiveness of C. maculata in a greenhouse environment. Plants with C. maculata treatments were essentially free of spider mites. There is potential to use mass-reared C. maculata eggs as treatment for spider mites in contained crops or indoor decorative plants. Resumen La maraquita Coleomegilla maculata DeGeer (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) es un depredador eurifago conocida de consumir la aranita de dos manchas, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). Las aranitas son frecuentemente problematicas en las operacio­nes de invernaderos, y con frecuencia causan dano a la planta ornamental y de cobertura, Impatiens walleriana Hook f. (Ericales: Balsaminaceae). La creciente demanda de alternativas a los plaguicidas, combinadas con la resistencia a los productos registrados para el control de plagas requiere la evaluacion de alternativas viables. En este estudio, impatiens ingenuos fueron infestadas inten­cionalmente con aranitsa de dos manchas. Cuando hubo dano visible en las plantas experimentales, ellas fueron tratadas con las mariquitas en jaulas de contencion. Uno de loso tratamientos fue con adultos de C. maculata y el otro tratamiento fue con neonatos de C. maculata utilizando metodos recientemente desarrollados para la cria y la recoleccion de huevos. El nivel de infestacion de las aranitas fue evaluado despues de los tratamientos, y se recolectaron imagenes de las plantas tratadas y no tratadas para evaluar la eficacia de C. maculata en un ambiente de invernadero. Las plantas tratadas con C. maculata fueron esencialmente libre de la las aranitas rojas. Existe la potencial de utilizar huevos de C. maculata criados en masa como un tratamiento para las aranitas rojas en los cultivos contenidos o plantas decorativas de interior.

Daniel Coderre - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Delphastus catalinae and Coleomegilla maculata lengi (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) as biological control agents of the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)
    Pest management science, 2004
    Co-Authors: Éric Lucas, Claude Labrecque, Daniel Coderre
    Abstract:

    Predation efficacy and compatibility of the predatory lady beetles Coleomegilla maculata lengi Timberlake and Delphastus catalinae (Horn) against the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) were studied in laboratory on glabrous fuchsia (Fuchsia hybrida Voss cv Lena Corolla) and pubescent poinsettia plants (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd ex Klotzch cv Dark Red Annette Hegg). On glabrous plants (fuchsia), fourth-instar and adults of C maculata were the most efficient, both against whitefly eggs and pupae. On pubescent plants (poinsettia), the larger stages of C maculata were negatively affected and less efficient than adults of D catalinae. The presence of plant structure did not affect the voracity of either predator species. Finally, the simultaneous use of both predator species generated inter-specific competition. These results provide recommendations for biological control of whitefly in horticultural greenhouses.

  • Compatibility of a natural enemy, Coleomegilla maculata lengi (Col., Coccinellidae) and four insecticides used against the Colorado potato beetle (Col., Chrysomelidae)
    Journal of Applied Entomology, 2004
    Co-Authors: Éric Lucas, S. Giroux, S. Demougeot, R.-m. Duchesne, Daniel Coderre
    Abstract:

    The toxicity of four insecticides used to control the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), imidacloprid (Admire � ), cryolite (Kryocide � ), cyromazine (Trigard � ), and Bacillus thuringiensis var. tenebrionis (Novodor � ), to one of its natural enemies, the 12-spotted lady beetle, Coleomegilla maculata lengi Timberlake (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) was determined in the laboratory. Toxicity assays against C. maculata adults and larvae consisted of (1) topical applications and (2) exposures to treated foliage and prey, using concentrations up to 10 times the manufacturer's recommendations. Over a 6-day period, cyromazine (insect growth regulator) and B. t. var. tenebrionis (microbial insecticide) had no lethal effects on first and third instars C. maculata. For both larval and adult stages, cryolite (inorganic insecticide) caused very low predator mortality when topically applied and moderate mortality when ingested through contaminated eggs of Colorado potato beetles. Imidacloprid (systemic organic insecticide) was highly toxic to adult and larval C. maculata. Its estimated LD50 at 6 days following treatment, corresponded to 0.02-0.09 times the recommended field concentration, depending on the developmental stage and mode of contamination. These results indicate that integrated pest management programmes for Colorado potato beetles using imidacloprid or, to a lesser degree, cryolite, would be detrimental to C. maculata. Cyromazine and B. t. var. tenebrionis seem to present a better compatibility with the protection of C. maculata populations.

  • Impact of the arrival of Harmonia axyridis on adults of Coccinella septempunctata and Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
    European Journal of Entomology, 2002
    Co-Authors: Éric Lucas, Isabelle Gagné, Daniel Coderre
    Abstract:

    The impact of the arrival of the exotic coccinellid Harmonia axyridis on the biological control and dispersion of apple mites and aphids, and on the vertical distribution of the established coccinellids Coccinella septempunctata and Coleomegilla maculata have been studied. Assemblages of adults of the three coccinellid species were tested on apple saplings and on apple trees against Aphis citricola and Tetranychus urticae. The presence or substitution of adults of H. axyridis for adults of C. maculata or C. septempunctata did not reduce the predation impact on mite or aphid prey. H. axyridis was a more efficient predator of mites than was C. septempunctata and generated lower prey dispersal from host plants. Substitutions of adults of H. axyridis for those of C. maculata, and in some cases of C. septempunctata, resulted in greater reduction in number of aphids. On apple trees, the three coccinellid species occurred at different heights. Neither C. maculata nor C. septempunctata modified their vertical distribution on apple tree over a 24 hour period in response to the presence of H. axyridis.

  • Egg cannibalism by Coleomegilla maculata lengi neonates: preference even in the presence of essential prey
    Ecological Entomology, 2002
    Co-Authors: Isabelle Gagné, Daniel Coderre, Yves Mauffette
    Abstract:

    Abstract 1. Egg cannibalism among coccinellids has been reported widely, however reasons why this type of behaviour is observed so frequently have been neglected. This experiment was undertaken to clarify whether cannibalistic behaviour is advantageous to Coleomegilla maculata lengi Thimberlake neonates and to understand the reasons for high levels of egg cannibalism. 2. Benefits gained by neonate cannibals were ascertained by comparing survival, developmental time, and second-instar weight of C. maculata larvae that were allowed to cannibalise conspecific eggs or not. Preference and behaviour tests were also conducted to assess the reasons for high levels of egg cannibalism. 3. Cannibal neonates grew faster and were heavier than non-cannibals. The developmental time of neonates was influenced more by prey vulnerability than by prey quality. 4. In choice tests, where three different proportions of conspecific eggs and aphids were offered (33–67, 50–50, and 67–33%), C. maculata neonates always consumed significantly more eggs. Manly's preference indexes indicated that neonates showed a consistent preference for conspecific eggs. 5. Seventy-five per cent of neonates observed went directly towards eggs and 90% of the first prey consumed by neonates were an egg. When aphids were painted with extract of crushed eggs and eggs with crushed aphids to determine whether neonates found eggs by chemical cues, neonates preferred aphids painted with egg extract to eggs painted with aphid extract. 6. It was concluded that C. maculata neonates benefited from cannibalistic behaviour. Moreover, egg cannibalism is not related only to frequency of encounter; chemical cues are also involved in egg searching.

  • Cold Storage of Coleomegilla maculata larvae
    Biocontrol Science and Technology, 2001
    Co-Authors: Isabelle Gagné, Daniel Coderre
    Abstract:

    Short-term storage of second and third instars of the coccinellid Coleomegilla maculata lengi Timberlake can be achieved efficiently through utilization of temperatures below its thermal threshold of development. Survival, voracity and preimaginal development time were evaluated for larvae kept at 4 and 8°C for up to 5 weeks. Survival was close to 100% for the first two weeks of storage, but decreased drastically afterward and was 0% after 5 weeks. Storage at low temperatures did not diminish the voracity of larvae after storage. Development completely stopped during cold storage but resumed without significant effect after larvae were returned to 24°C. This study indicates for the first time that cold storage of C. maculata second and third instars is possible for a period of up to 2 weeks and provides a technique that could benefit biological control programs by increasing availability of beneficial insects.

Kenneth V. Yeargan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Importance of predation by Coleomegilla maculata larvae in the natural control of the corn earworm in sweet corn.
    Biocontrol Science and Technology, 2009
    Co-Authors: Michael P. Seagraves, Kenneth V. Yeargan
    Abstract:

    Abstract The corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a serious pest of many crops in North America, particularly sweet corn. The larvae of Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are the most frequently observed predators of H. zea eggs in sweet corn. Companion cropping strategies have been developed to augment densities of C. maculata in sweet corn plantings. In this study, the importance of predation by C. maculata larvae was evaluated in experiments when larval abundance was manipulated using hand removal and physical exclusion. In 2003 and 2004, sentinel H. zea eggs were exposed on corn for 48 h. Egg mortality was 13.8% greater in the treatment where C. maculata larvae were present. In 2004 and 2005 eggs were exposed on corn under the same hand removal and physical exclusion techniques and monitored at 3-h intervals for 24 h to directly observe predation on sentinel eggs. Coleomegilla maculata larvae were the most frequently observed predators of the eggs,...

  • Selection and Evaluation of a Companion Plant to Indirectly Augment Densities of Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Sweet Corn
    Environmental Entomology, 2006
    Co-Authors: Michael P. Seagraves, Kenneth V. Yeargan
    Abstract:

    Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer), which is a frequent predator of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) eggs on sweet corn, prefers to oviposit on plants that have glandular trichomes. These plants provide C. maculata eggs a refuge from cannibalism and other predation. Previous work showed that interplanting glandular pubescent weeds in corn increases C. maculata density and predation on H. zea eggs. We conducted an oviposition preference screening to identify a cultivated species that could provide the same augmentation of C. maculata and possibly increase biological control. In our experiment, tomato had 2.5 times more C. maculata eggs found on it than Acalypha ostryifolia Ridell, a weed documented to be preferred for oviposition over corn. In a separate experiment, 9.6 times more C. maculata eggs were found on a tomato companion crop than on corn, and eggs on tomato had 2.6–5.9 times higher survival than those on corn. In corn plots with a companion crop of tomato, C. maculata larvae were 5–10 times more abundant near the companion crop than in an equivalent location in the corn monoculture. Augmentation of larval densities declined as distance from the companion tomato crop increased, but the augmentation effect persisted for at least 5 m away from the companion crop. In 1 yr of our study, there was a trend toward higher densities of C. maculata adults in the plots with a companion crop of tomato. The observed augmentation of C. maculata did not result in an increase in H. zea egg predation or decrease in ear infestation.

  • Oviposition Behavior of Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): Diel Periodicity and Choice of Host Plants
    Environmental Entomology, 2005
    Co-Authors: Amanda C. Staley, Kenneth V. Yeargan
    Abstract:

    Previous research has shown that more Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer) eggs occur on plants with glandular trichomes than on plants without such trichomes. Those studies also revealed that C. maculata eggs suffer greater predation (mostly cannibalism) on plants lacking glandular trichomes than on plants with glandular trichomes. Those results, however, left open the question of whether differences in observed egg densities on the two types of plants were caused by oviposition preference or differential removal of eggs by predators. Our primary objective was to determine whether C. maculata preferentially oviposit on plants with glandular trichomes. We also determined the diel periodicity of C. maculata oviposition; in addition to its intrinsic value in understanding the predator’s behavior, this knowledge facilitated our study of oviposition preference. Diel periodicity of oviposition was studied in the laboratory and in the field. In the laboratory, most oviposition occurred in the afternoon and early evening. In the field, the pattern was even more distinct, with all oviposition occurring between 1200 and 2000 hours and >80% occurring between 1400 and 1800 hours Eastern Daylight Time. To determine oviposition preference, we placed equal numbers of velvetleaf, Abutilon theophrasti (Medicus), and smooth pigweed, Amaranthus hybridus L., plants (with and without glandular trichomes, respectively) in the field and observed them continuously during the afternoon and early evening. Oviposition events by naturally occurring (i.e., wild, uncaged) C. maculata were recorded. The beetles clearly preferred to oviposit on plants with glandular trichomes, laying 51 of 52 egg clusters on velvetleaf, despite the fact that they visited smooth pigweed plants more often and spent more time per visit on those plants than on velvetleaf. We hypothesize that egg predation, especially cannibalism, has selected for this oviposition behavior.

  • Factors Potentially Affecting Oviposition Site Selection by the Lady Beetle Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
    Environmental Entomology, 2002
    Co-Authors: Marisa L. Griffin, Kenneth V. Yeargan
    Abstract:

    Abstract Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer), a polyphagous lady beetle, is one of the most common predators in corn fields in the eastern United States. Previous work on C. maculata showed an oviposition preference for the weed Acalypha ostryaefolia Riddell (hophornbeam copperleaf), compared with three other weed species and corn. In a separate field study, we found far more C. maculata eggs on Abutilon theophrasti Medic (velvetleaf) than on eight other plant species. Here we report on studies designed to assess the potential roles that prey densities and weed attractiveness may play in the selection of oviposition sites by C. maculata. We also examined diurnal and nocturnal predation of C. maculata eggs on Zea mays L., A. ostryaefolia, A. theophrasti, and Amaranthus hybridus L. (pigweed). We found that C. maculata’s choice of plants on which to oviposit was not significantly influenced by the availability of potential prey on those plants. There was no difference in the number of C. maculata adults captured ...

  • Oviposition Site Selection by the Spotted Lady Beetle Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): Choices Among Plant Species
    Environmental Entomology, 2002
    Co-Authors: Marisa L. Griffin, Kenneth V. Yeargan
    Abstract:

    Abstract The polyphagous lady beetle Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer) was previously shown to oviposit more frequently on the weed, Acalypha ostryaefolia Riddell, than on sweet corn, Zea mays L. In that earlier study, the presence of A. ostryaefolia led to higher densities of C. maculata larvae on nearby corn. To determine if C. maculata’s apparent oviposition preference for A. ostryaefolia was limited to that weed species, we conducted a 2-yr field study using A. ostryaefolia along with eight other common broadleaf annual weeds. A separate field experiment compared oviposition on just A. ostryaefolia and the weed Abutilon theophrasti Medicus. The possible influence of whitefly Trialeurodes abutiloneus (Haldeman) presence on C. maculata oviposition site selection also was examined. When nine weed species were available, significant oviposition preference was found for A. theophrasti. Similarly, far more egg clusters were found on A. theophrasti than on A. ostryaefolia when only those two species were availa...