Effects of host plant morphological features on the functional response of Adalia bipunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

The effect of three selected plants on the functional response of Adalia bipunctata to different densities of Myzus persicae was examined in Petri-dish arenas. Logistic regression indicated a type II functional response on all plants. The maximum number of prey killed per day by females was 65.4 at a density of 130 preys on sweet pepper. On the other hand, handling time was significantly longer on tomato than on eggplant or sweet pepper (0.35 h vs. 0.24 h and 0.21 h, respectively). This laboratory study suggests that plant characteristics influence the ability of A. bipunctata to respond to changes in prey density.