Effects of Sublethal Concentrations of Insecticides on the Functional Response of Two Mirid Generalist Predators

摘要: The use of agrochemicals particularly pesticides, can hamper the effectiveness natural enemies, causing disruption in ecosystem service biological control. In current study, effects insecticides thiacloprid and chlorantraniliprole on functional response curves were assessed for two mirid predator nymphs, Macrolophus pygmaeus Rambur Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter. absence insecticides, both predators exhibited a type II when feeding eggs moth Ephestia kuehniella. N. seems to be more efficient than M. pygmaeus, as model estimated handling time was significantly lower former latter. Residual exposure sublethal concentrations either insecticide associated with change asymptote but not curve. Thiacloprid least compatible it led significant reduction attack rate an increase time. contrast, increased time, predator. did have effect nor parameters model. results show that pesticide residues do lethal beneficial arthropods reduce prey consumption depending species likely risks toxicity.