Effect of temperature on the functional response and components of attack rate in Naucoris congrex Stal (Hemiptera : Naucoridae)

The effect of temperature on the functional response of adult Naucoris cong rex preying on final-instar mosquito larvae was investigated. A type II fun ctional response was obtained at all temperatures tested (5-25 degrees C). Handling time was negatively correlated with temperature across the entire range investigated; attack rate increased with temperature to a maximum at 20 degrees C. The relationships between temperature and prey density and th e behavioural subcomponents of attack rate were also investigated. Encounte r rates with individual prey were significantly greater at law prey densiti es and high temperatures. The frequency of reactive encounters was signific antly greater at higher temperatures but was unrelated to prey density; a s imilar trend was apparent for attack frequency.