Evidence of Cannibalism in Macrolophus pygmaeus, a Natural Enemy of Whiteflies |
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Authors: | Faten Hamdi Joel Chadoeuf Brahim Chermiti Olivier Bonato |
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Institution: | 1. IRD - The Center for Biology and Management of Populations, CBGP, Campus International de Baillarguet CS 30016, 34988, Montferrier-sur-Lez cedex, France 2. INRA, Biostatistics Unit, Domaine St Paul, Avignon, France 3. Higher Agronomic Institute of Chott-Meriem, 4042, Chott-Mériem, Tunisia
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Abstract: | Cannibalism and the effects of host plant, sex, time and food resources on its expression were studied for the zoophagous mirid Macrolophus pygmaeus Wagner (Hemiptera: Miridae). Cannibalistic behaviour was studied by offering 5 conspecific larvae (first instar) to newly emerging adults. Four treatments were studied: without water, with water only, with a host plant (tobacco) and with both a host plant and prey (eggs of Ephestia kuehniella). Cannibalism was observed in all treatments. In the “host plant + eggs of E. kuehniella” treatment, very few individuals displayed cannibalistic behaviour. The proportion of cannibalism was only reduced when eggs of E. kuehniella were offered. Water (free or via a host plant) was very important for both survival and feeding. The cannibalistic behaviour of M. pygmaeus should be taken into account when planning a release strategy in the context of biological control. |
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