Preference and consumption of Macrolophus pygmaeus preying on mixed instar assemblages of Myzus persicae

摘要: This study examines the effects of changes in prey frequency and abundance on selection among four instars Myzus persicae by predator Macrolophus pygmaeus under laboratory conditions. The central hypothesis was that M. will become more selective as density increases. It also observed can occasionally abandon a item had already been killed (non-consumptive mortality). assumed this behavior would increase with size density. For these purposes evaluated simultaneously presenting all to equal proportions at increasing densities. showed higher predation rate preference for smaller However, if is expressed terms biomass consumed, then gain when feeding larger persicae. selectivity indicated total mortality (consumptive plus non-consumptive mortality) well mortality, associated relatively high densities, depending instar. Therefore, we argued predatory impact various aphid depends not only traits but their relative patch. Observed decreases from were likely result availability densities before saturation, which might have caused confusion predator’s selection.