THE INFLUENCE OF APHIDS ON THE BEHAVIOR OF ADULTS OF THE LADYBIRD BEETLE, HARMONIA-AXYRIDIS (COL., COCCINELLIDAE)

The mechanism of prey finding by adult Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Col eoptera, Coccinellidae) was investigated in the laboratory by offering beetles small gauze or polyethylene bags containing either aphid-infe sted leaves or uninfested leaves along with empty control bags. The be etles were attracted to bags containing aphid-infested leaves. It is s uggested that adults of H. axyridis use olfactory and visual cues to d etect prey. Mate-searching by males and the mating receptivity of fema les were enhanced in the presence of an abundance of aphids. The prese nce of aphids, perceived by the sensory organs of the beetles, possibl y influence behaviour other than prey-searching.