Functional Response of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Mulsant) on the Pink Mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green)

Abstract

The functional response of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Mulsant) (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera) to Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) was determined under laboratory conditions of 27.0°C± 3.0°C and 58.7%± 3.0% R.H. Consumption rates by C. montrouzieri were positively correlated with prey population density. Number of prey consumed by females, males and 3rd instar larvae increased more rapidly at lower prey densities compared to higher densities with a negative linear coefficient (P1 <0) of the logistic regression depicting a Holling’s Type II functional response. Third instar larvae consumed more prey than females, which consumed more than males indicating the predatory efficiency of C. montrouzieri. Estimated handling times per prey was constant (0.12 - 0.13 days) for females, males and 3rd instar larvae, while handling times for all prey were positively correlated with prey density. Attack rate and rate of discovery were positively correlated with prey density. Searching time and attack ratio both decreased as prey density increased.