Multigenerational rearing on non-prey foods does not affect prey (aphid) recognition behavior of coleomegilla maculata (coleoptera: coccinellidae)

Authors: Riddick, Eric; Rojas, Maria; Morales Ramos, Juan

Submitted to: Insects
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/27/2024
Publication Date: 10/31/2024
Citation: Riddick, E.W., Rojas, M.G., Morales Ramos, J.A. 2024. A simple test of prey (aphid) recognition by laboratory reared Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Insects. 15,852.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15110852

Interpretive Summary: This study evaluated the prey (aphid) recognition behavior of the pink spotted lady beetle (Coleomegilla maculata) adults that had been reared on non-prey foods for multiple generations. Regardless of the non-prey food source (brine shrimp egg diet, mealworm-protein-based artificial diet), predator adults readily attacked live aphids (two species) in Petri dish bioassays in the laboratory. Adult females were occasionally more voracious than males. One aphid species was consumed more readily than the other. In conclusion, the multigenerational rearing of pink spotted lady beetles on non-prey foods did not affect prey (aphid) recognition behavior in the laboratory.

Technical Abstract: The pink spotted lady beetle Coleomegilla maculata has been identified as a promising predator to mass rear and release into greenhouses and high tunnels to control aphids on small fruits and vegetables. This study tested the hypothesis that laboratory-reared C. maculata, without any exposure to aphids for multiple generations, could recognize, attack, and consume live aphids. The aphid adults of two species were collected from non-crop host plants (weeds) over two consecutive seasons. The time (seconds) that C. maculata adults required to recognize and partially or completely consume live, healthy adult aphids was recorded in Petri dish arenas in the laboratory. Regardless of the non-prey food source (brine shrimp egg diet, mealworm-protein-based artificial diet), C. maculata adults readily recognized aphids. Adult females were occasionally more voracious than males. One aphid species (Uroleucon erigeronense) was consumed more readily than the other aphid species (Aphis nerii). In conclusion, multigenerational rearing on non-prey foods did not affect the prey recognition behavior of C. maculata adults in the laboratory. Validating the ability of lady beetles reared on artificial diets to recognize and consume live aphids is an important protocol before augmentative releases for aphid control in greenhouses and high tunnels.