S. Obata, THE INFLUENCE OF APHIDS ON THE BEHAVIOR OF ADULTS OF THE LADYBIRD BEETLE, HARMONIA-AXYRIDIS (COL., COCCINELLIDAE), Entomophaga, 42(1-2), 1997, pp. 103-106
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.