Expression of early and late-emerging phenotypes in both diapausing and non-diapausing Delia radicum L. pupae

Feeding preferences of nymphs of a predatory stink bug, Eocanthecona furcellata, to Spodoptera litura larvae fed with various food items were examined. Bugs preferred larvae fed with spinach leaves to those feeding on bean sprouts. Solvent extracts of S. litura larvae given spinach or lettuce leaves contained a large amount of (E)-phytol which was found to elicit the proboscis-protruding behavior of this bug. (E)-Phytol was not detected in similar extracts of larvae fed with bean sprouts containing no (E)-phytol. When S. litura larvae fed with artificial diets containing various amounts of chlorophyll, the (E)-phytol contents in those larvae and their feces increased in proportion to the dietary chlorophyll contents, indicating that (E)-phytol was derived from the chlorophyll ingested through hydrolysis. Bugs showed the proboscis-protruding behavior in response to extracts of larvae fed with spinach and lettuce leaves or a kidney-bean artificial diet, and their response depended on (E)-phytol contents. On the other hand, extracts of larvae fed with bean sprouts were not effective. When a larva fed with bean sprouts was treated with (E)-phytol and presented together with a larva fed with spinach leaves, bugs failed to distinguish between the two. These results indicate that (E)-phytol originating from chlorophyll in the prey diet serves as an important cue in the prey-locating behavior of E. furcellata.     

Prey-mediated effects of mCry51Aa2-producing cotton on the predatory nontarget bug Orius majusculus (Reuter)

Genetically engineered (GE) cotton, MON 88702, is protected against certain sucking pests, such as plant bugs and thrips, by producing mCry51Aa2, a modified protein from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Predatory pirate bugs (Orius spp.), natural enemies contributing to biological pest control, are also sensitive to the insecticidal protein when exposed continuously to high concentrations. We evaluated effects of MON 88702 on Orius majusculus when fed prey types with different mCry51Aa2 concentrations. When neonates were provided exclusively Tetranychus urticae spider mites reared on MON 88702 (high mCry51Aa2 content), adverse effects on predator survival and development were confirmed, compared with specimens fed prey from near-isogenic non-Bt cotton. When fed a mixture of T. urticae and Ephestia kuehniella eggs (mCry51Aa2-free), predator life table parameters were similar to the treatment where eggs were fed exclusively. When mCry51Aa2-containing spider mites were provided for a limited time at the beginning or the end of juvenile development, effects were less pronounced. While pirate bug nymphs showed similar consumption rates for prey from Bt and non-Bt cotton, choice experiments revealed a preference for E. kuehniella eggs over spider mites. Lepidopteran larvae (Spodoptera littoralis, high mCry51Aa2 content) or cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii, mCry51Aa2-free) reared on MON 88702 as alternative prey did not result in adverse effects on O. majusculus. Our study suggests limited risk of mCry51Aa2-producing cotton for O. majusculus, because its sensitivity for the Bt protein is relatively low and its natural food consists of diverse prey species with varying concentrations of Bt protein.     

Tri-trophic interactions between Bt cotton, the herbivore Aphis gossypii Glover (Homoptera: Aphididae), and the predator Chrysopa pallens (Rambur) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

Tri-trophic impacts of transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton GK12 and NuCOTN 99B were studied using a predator, the great lacewing Chrysopa pallens (Rambur), and its prey, the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii Glover, in laboratory feeding experiments. The parental nontransgenic cotton cultivar of GK12 was used as control. The predator was fed with uniform (aphids from a single cultivar) or mixed prey (aphids from the three cotton cultivars provided on alternate days). Mortality and development of the immature stages, pupal body mass, adult sex ratio, fecundity, and egg viability of C. pallens were measured. When fed GK12-originated aphid prey, pupal body mass of C. pallens was significantly higher than that of the control, more females emerged, and these females laid significantly more eggs. Other parameters were not impacted. Females emerging from larvae maintained on NuCOTN 99B-originated prey laid fewer eggs than those maintained on GK12. Other measurements did not differ significantly between the two Bt cotton cultivars. Compared with the control, mixed feeding significantly prolonged pupal development time and increased pupal body mass and percentage of females but did not affect other parameters. These results indicate that C. pallens is sensitive to aphid prey from different cotton cultivars. Transgenic Bt cotton GK12-originated aphid prey has no adverse impact on survival, development, and fecundity of C. pallens. Between the two Bt cotton cultivars, NuCOTN 99B-originated aphid prey provided to C. pallens in the larval stage may lower female fecundity. Mixed feeding of C. pallens with the two Bt cotton-originated prey and non-Bt prey may have some adverse impacts on pupal development.     

Health food versus fast food: the effects of prey quality and mobility on prey selection by a generalist predator and indirect interactions among prey species

1. In order to understand the relative importance of prey quality and mobility in indirect interactions among alternative prey that are mediated by a shared natural enemy, the nutritional quality of two common prey for a generalist insect predator along with the predator's relative preference for these prey was determined. 2. Eggs of the corn earworm Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were nutritionally superior to pea aphids Acyrthosiphum pisum (Homoptera: Aphididae) as prey for big‐eyed bugs Geocoris punctipes (Heteroptera: Geocoridae). Big‐eyed bugs survived four times as long when fed corn earworm eggs than when fed pea aphids. Furthermore, only big‐eyed bugs fed corn earworm eggs completed development and reached adulthood. 3. In two separate choice experiments, however, big‐eyed bugs consistently attacked the nutritionally inferior prey, pea aphids, more frequently than the nutritionally superior prey, corn earworm eggs. 4. Prey mobility, not prey nutritional quality, seems to be the most important criterion used by big‐eyed bugs to select prey. Big‐eyed bugs attacked mobile aphids preferentially when given a choice between mobile and immobilised aphids. 5. Prey behaviour also mediated indirect interactions between these two prey species. The presence of mobile pea aphids as alternative prey benefited corn earworms indirectly by reducing the consumption of corn earworm eggs by big‐eyed bugs. The presence of immobilised pea aphids, however, did not benefit corn earworms indirectly because the consumption of corn earworm eggs by big‐eyed bugs was not reduced when they were present. 6. These results suggest that the prey preferences of generalist insect predators mediate indirect interactions among prey species and ultimately affect the population dynamics of the predator and prey species. Understanding the prey preferences of generalist insect predators is essential to predict accurately the efficacy of these insects as biological control agents.     

From lynx spiders to cotton: Behaviourally mediated predator effects over four trophic levels

Food web studies often examine density and behaviourally mediated effects of predators on herbivores, but are less likely to assess the plant targeted by the herbivore. We conducted a study that incorporated four trophic levels examining the effect of two generalist predators (damsel bugs, Nabis kinbergii Reuter; and lynx spiders, Oxyopes molarius L. Koch) on damage to cotton bolls caused by green mirids (Creontiades dilutus (Stål)). First we tested whether lynx spiders and damsel bugs could control mirid numbers and cotton boll damage in field cages. We found that in cages containing mirids and only lynx spiders, lynx spiders reduced both mirid numbers and boll damage. However, in cages which contained mirids and both predators (lynx spiders and damsel bugs) only mirid numbers were reduced. To explain the negative effect of damsel bugs on boll damage, we examined the interactions between lynx spiders, damsel bugs and mirids. We found that lynx spiders were better mirid predators than damsel bugs, and that lynx spiders attacked damsel bugs, but not vice versa. Behaviourally, mirids responded to increasing predator pressure regardless of whether the predators were lynx spiders or damsel bugs. However, damsel bugs seemed to alter the behaviour of lynx spiders because in their presence, a higher proportion of lynx spiders moved to the top of the plant, towards the damsel bugs but away from the bolls found lower on the plant. These results suggest that the most likely explanation for the increase in boll damage in the presence of damsel bugs was that lynx spiders moved to the top of the plant in the presence of damsel bugs, which then exposed the bolls lower down on the plant to mirid attack. This work emphasizes the importance of behaviourally mediated effects in food webs extending over four trophic levels.     

Effects of potential food sources on biological and demographic parameters of the predatory mites Kampimodromus aberrans, Typhlodromus pyri and Amblyseius andersoni

Kampimodromus aberrans, Typhlodromus pyri and Amblyseius andersoni are generalist predatory mites important in controlling tetranychid and eriophyoid mites in European vineyards. They can persist by exploiting various non-prey foods when their main prey is absent or scarce. A comparative analysis of the effects of various prey and non-prey foods on the life history of these predators is lacking. In the laboratory, predatory mites were reared on herbivorous mites (Panonychus ulmi, Eotetranychus carpini and Colomerus vitis), a potential alternative prey (Tydeus caudatus) and two non-prey foods, i.e. the pollen of Typha latifolia and the mycelium of Grape downy mildew (GDM) Plasmopara viticola. Developmental times, survival, sex ratio and fecundity as well as life table parameters were estimated. Kampimodromus aberrans developed faster on E. carpini, C. vitis or pollen than on P. ulmi and laid more eggs on pollen than on prey. Low numbers of this predator developed on GDM infected leaves. Tydeus caudatus was not suitable as prey for any of the three predatory mites. Kampimodromus aberrans showed the highest intrinsic rate of population increase when fed on pollen. Developmental times of T. pyri on prey or pollen were similar but fecundity was higher on pollen than on P. ulmi. Typhlodromus pyri had higher intrinsic rates of population increase on C. vitis and pollen than on P. ulmi; E. carpini showed intermediate values whereas GDM resulted in the lowest r ( m ) values. Development of A. andersoni females was faster on pollen and C. vitis than on P. ulmi and GDM. Fecundity was higher on pollen and mites compared to GDM. Life table parameters of A. andersoni did not differ when predators were fed with prey or pollen while GDM led to a lower r ( m ) value. On a specific diet A. andersoni exhibited faster development and higher fecundity than T. pyri and K. aberrans. These findings improve knowledge on factors affecting the potential of predatory mites in controlling phytophagous mites in European vineyards.     

Potential cotton aphid,Aphis gossypii,population suppression by arthropod predators in upland cotton

The cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, predation rate of convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens Guerin‐Meneville, was determined by assigning a single predator randomly to each of four prey density treatments in the laboratory. Prey densities included 25, 50, 100, and 200 aphids per Petri dish arena. Predation response was recorded at 1, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 48 h after assigning predators to their prey treatments. Rate of consumption increased through time, with all 25 aphids consumed during the first 4 h of the experiment. At the highest density, adult lady beetle consumed on average 49, 99, 131, 163, 183, and 200 aphids within 1, 4, 8, 16, 24 and 48 h, respectively. Predators showed a curvilinear feeding response in relation to total available time, indicating that convergent lady beetles have the potential to suppress larger populations of aphids through continuous feeding by regulating their predation efficiency during feeding. The analysis of age‐specific mortality in absence of prey revealed that lady beetles could survive for an extended period of time (more than 2 weeks) without prey. The ability of a predator to survive without prey delays or prevents the rebound of pest populations that is a significant factor in natural biological control. A two‐year field sampling of 10 cotton arthropod predator species showed that spiders (27%) were the most dominant foliage dwelling predators in the Texas High Plains cotton followed by convergent lady beetles (23.5%), hooded beetles (13.5%), minute pirate bugs (11%), green lacewings (9.5%), bigeyed bugs (7.5%), scymnus beetles (3%), soft‐winged flower beetles (2%), damsel bugs (1.5%), and assassin bugs (1.5%). A field cage study showed that one H. convergens adult per plant released at prey density of one aphid per leaf kept the aphid population below economic threshold for the entire growing season.     

The effect of larval nutrition on egg production in Rhodnius prolixus

Rhodnius prolixus adults which had fed to repletion at each larval instar were frequently autogenous, while those allowed to take only partial blood meals at the 3rd, 4th and 5th larval instars were always anautogenous.Bugs fed to repletion at each larval instar had large abdominal fat bodies throughout adult life. In such bugs, the quantity of blood associated with the production of one egg was small and constant during the course of several blood meals.Bugs fed partial blood meals as larvae had small abdominal fat bodies following ecdysis to the adult; the quantity of blood associated with the production of one egg was large following the first adult feed because some of the blood meal was used to increase the size of the abdominal fat bodies.     

Effects of diet on longevity and fecundity of the spined stilt bug, Jalysus wickhami

We evaluated the suitability of selected food items for the adult spined stilt bug, Jalysus wickhami Van Duzee (Hemiptera: Berytidae), by providing one of seven diet treatments: (1) prepupae of the parasitoid, Cotesia congregata (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), on a leaf of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L., NC 2326) (Solanaceae); (2) C. congregata prepupae alone (i.e., no tobacco leaf); (3) eggs of the parasitoid's host, Manduca sexta (L.) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae), on a tobacco leaf; (4) M. sexta eggs alone; (5) tobacco aphids, Myzus nicotianae Blackman (Homoptera: Aphididae), on a tobacco leaf; (6) a tobacco leaf alone; and (7) no prey and no tobacco. A tobacco leaf was necessary for the long-term survival of stilt bugs, but prey source did not affect longevity. Regardless of the prey type, stilt bugs with access to a tobacco leaf lived 21–23 days, while stilt bugs without access to tobacco lived less than 12 days. Animal prey provided a protein source required for egg deposition in J. wickhami, and prey species differed in their relative nutritive values. Female stilt bugs that fed on M. sexta eggs or on C. congregata prepupae were significantly more fecund (102 and 106 nymphs per female, respectively) than females that fed on tobacco aphids (24 nymphs per female). Results suggest that stilt bugs may feed on tobacco aphids and C. congregata prepupae when other prey are unavailable.     

Bugs with backpacks deter vision-guided predation by jumping spiders

As a case study of how insects use masks as a defence against vision-guided predators, an experimental study was carried out using Acanthaspis petax , a reduviid bug ('ant bug') that covers itself with a 'mask', or 'backpack', made from carcasses of its preferred prey (ants), and three salticid spider species, Hyllus sp., Plexippus sp. and Thyene sp., salticids being predators with exceptionally acute vision. The ant bugs and the salticids were from the Lake Victoria region of East Africa. In each test, a salticid was presented with a live bug or a lure made from a dead bug, with the mask removed ('naked') or intact ('masked'). Salticids made predatory responses to naked bugs significantly more often than to masked bugs. These findings suggest that salticids readily identify naked bugs as prey, but fail to identify masked bugs as prey.     

Effects of kaolin-based particle film application on boll weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) injury to cotton

This study examined a non-insecticidal tactic for suppressing boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, damage to cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. In cage assays, kaolin, a reflective white mineral, applied to excised cotton squares or to the cotton foliage, initially resulted in lower levels of boll weevil injury to squares than nontreated squares. Boll weevil oviposition and feeding on kaolin-treated squares and squares on kaolin-treated cotton plants increased when nontreated squares and cotton plants were in short supply. A laboratory assay and field trials suggested that boll weevils distinguished between cotton plots based on color differences caused by kaolin and this appeared to influence levels of damage to squares. Random sampling in small plots indicated that oviposition damage to squares in plots treated with kaolin was reduced (P < 0.05) compared with nontreated controls, except when rain washed the kaolin off the foliage. Lint yield differences were not detected between the small plots, but the kaolin-treated small plots yielded as much as 2.36 times more cotton lint than a large but unreplicated adjacent nontreated control plot, and up to 1.39 times more than another large but unreplicated adjacent plot sprayed twice with preemptive applications of azinphosmethyl when cotton squares were first developing (pinhead stage). Potentially important avenues for future research on boll weevil injury suppression using kaolin are discussed.     

Bed bugs,their blood sources and life history parameters: a comparison of artificial and natural feeding

A blood‐feeding system that utilizes a small amount of whole heparinized human blood in parafilm bags is described in detail, and similarities and differences between artificially fed and naturally rodent‐fed bed bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) are discussed. Blood with high levels of heparin (10%) was unsuitable for artificial colony rearing, whereas bed bugs fed on 1% heparinized blood and those that naturally ingested rat blood completed their lifecycle with similar stage structures over time, with no significant differences in mortality. No differences in feeding efficiency or fertility were found in a direct comparison of bed bugs maintained under each of these two treatments, but analysis of the full lifecycle revealed that artificially fed bed bugs became significantly smaller and laid fewer eggs than rodent‐fed bed bugs. The level of membrane stretching regulated the number of bed bugs that fed. When the membrane was stretched to twice its length and width, 96% of bed bugs successfully fed through the parafilm. Whole heparinized blood that was stored at 6 °C for ≥ 14 days failed to retain its nutritional value and the amount of blood consumed and number of consecutive moults were significantly reduced.     

取食转基因抗虫棉上的棉蚜对粉舞蛛存活和发育的影响

本文以转双价基因棉花SGK321、棉蚜Aphis gossypii和粉舞蛛Alopecosa pulverulenta为对象,研究了捕食转基因植物上的植食性害虫对多食性捕食性天敌的影响。结果表明,粉舞蛛可以猎食棉蚜,但单独捕食棉蚜不足以长期维持若蛛的生存和发育; 与果蝇混合饲养,能显著提高若蛛存活率和体重。在猎物过量或数量不足的情况下,单独捕食转基因棉或常规棉上的棉蚜,若蛛的生存曲线和体重差异不显著。在猎物过量的条件下,用转基因棉上的棉蚜与果蝇混合饲养,若蛛的存活率显著高于用常规棉上的棉蚜与果蝇混合的处理; 但这两种处理下,若蛛的体重差异不显著。在猎物数量不足的情况下,用转基因棉或常规棉上的棉蚜与果蝇混合饲养,若蛛的存活率和体重差异都不显著。可见,转双价基因棉花SGK321上的棉蚜对粉舞蛛的存活和发育没有显著的不利影响。     

Episodes of unpalatable prey reduce consumption and growth of juvenile praying mantids

Third-instar praying mantids (Tenodera sinensisSaussure: Mantidae) were fed either a sequence of unpalatable milkweed bugs (Oncopeltus fasciatusDallas: Lygaeidae) and palatable fruit flies (Drosophila melanogasterMeigen: Drosophilidae) or a control diet of palatable flies only. Mantids fed a sequence of 3 days of unpalatable bugs and 4 days of palatable flies took, on average, 5 days longer to develop to the fourth instar than the controls, and consequently, their growth rate was less than that of the controls. They ate 10–15 unpalatable bugs in that time, but also, because the stadium was prolonged, they ended up eating as many flies as the faster-growing controls and therefore attained similar biomass. Mantids subjected to episodes of 2 days with unpalatable bugs followed by 4 days of flies had reduced growth rates that were a function of both more time spent in the stadium and less weight gained than the controls. Mantids subjected to episodes of 1 day with unpalatable bugs followed by 4 days of flies did not gain as much weight as the controls but had similar growth rates. Mantids fed unpalatable bugs on Days 1 and 6 and palatable flies on the other days and mantids fed flies for 4 days and then 1 day without food grew at the same rate. In this case, eating unpalatable prey for 2 days of 7 (with 7 days = average stadium duration) slowed weight gain as much as missing food for a day. We conclude that, depending on the sequence, episodes (in this case, 1 or more days) of eating unpalatable prey can reduce the daily rate of consumption sufficiently to have a negative impact on biomass gained, stadium duration, and growth rate.     

两种防治措施下转Bt基因棉田绿盲蝽的发生与为害

2002年在河北省南皮县对2种防治措施下转Bt基因田绿盲蝽LyguslucorumMayre的发生与为害进行的系统调查表明,采用生物农药和低毒化学农药防治4次,Bt棉田绿盲蝽的发生为害较为严重,9月上旬发生高峰期种群密度为7.2头10株,显著高于防治指标,第2代绿盲蝽为害高峰期,叶片被害率为19.4%;采用当地棉农化学防治方法施用农药7次,Bt棉田绿盲蝽发生为害较轻,发生高峰期(8月中旬)种群密度为2.0头10株,第2代绿盲蝽为害高峰期,叶片被害率为4.8%。讨论指出绿盲蝽已成为转Bt基因棉生产中的重要问题,应加快绿盲蝽在转Bt基因棉田的生态调控研究。     

Effects of rutin-fed caterpillars on an invertebrate predator depend on temperature

Summary A factorial experiment examined the effects of varying concentrations of the allelochemical rutin in caterpillars and the length of time the caterpillars had fed on the behavioral interactions of predatory stinkbugs (Podisus maculiventris) and their prey (Manduca sexta). Diet had no significant effect on defensive behavior of the caterpillars. The length of time that the caterpillars had fed (1 vs. 24 h) only influenced the frequency of caterpillars knocking the attacking stinkbugs away, with caterpillars knocking the stinkbugs away more often after 24 h of feeding. A second experiment tested the effects of diet (prey fed various concentrations of rutin), temperature (18° C and 28° C) and gender on consumption and growth parameters of fifth instar stinkbugs. At the cooler temperature, the bugs ate more, gained more weight but took twice as long to complete the stadium and consequently had reduced relative consumption and relative growth rates. Diet had no significant effect on biomass gained or stadium duration, but rutin-fed caterpillars did depress the stinkbugs' relative consumption rates. The effect of food quality on relative growth rate (RGR) was temperature dependent; rutin had no significant effect at the cooler temperature, but a high dose of rutin reduced RGR at the warmer temperature. Rutin had a greater negative impact on the females than the males. The effect of rutin on these predators was different than the effect on their prey (this study compared to Stamp (1990, 1992)): the negative effects of rutin seem to impact on the stinkbug's growth rather than on molting.     

Diet of a polyphagous arthropod predator affects refuge seeking of its thrips prey

Antipredator behaviour of prey costs time and energy, at the expense of other activities. However, not all predators are equally dangerous to all prey; some may have switched to feeding on another prey species, making them effectively harmless. To minimize costs, prey should therefore invest in antipredator behaviour only when dangerous predators are around. To distinguish these from harmless predators, prey may use cues related to predation on conspecifics, such as odours released by a predator that has recently eaten conspecific prey or alarm pheromones released by attacked prey. We studied refuge use by a herbivorous/omnivorous thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, in response to odours associated with a generalist predatory bug, Orius laevigatus, fed either with conspecific thrips or with other prey. The refuge used by thrips larvae is the web produced by its competitor, the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, where thrips larvae experience lower predation risk because the predatory bug is hindered by the web. Thrips larvae moved into this refuge when odours associated with predatory bugs that had previously fed on thrips were present, whereas odours from predatory bugs that had fed on other prey had less effect. We discuss the consequences of this antipredator behaviour for population dynamics. Copyright 2000 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.     

Characterizing indirect prey-quality mediated effects of a Bt crop on predatory larvae of the green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea

There is increasing evidence that insecticidal transgenic crops can indirectly cause detrimental effects on arthropod predators or parasitoids when they prey on or parasitize sublethally affected herbivores. Our studies revealed that Chrysoperla carnea is negatively affected when fed Bt-susceptible but not Cry1Ac-resistant Helicoverpa armigera larvae that had fed Bt-transgenic cotton expressing Cry1Ac. This despite the fact that the predators ingested 3.5 times more Cry1Ac when consuming the resistant caterpillars. In order to detect potential differences in the nutrient composition of prey larvae, we evaluated the glycogen and lipid content plus the sugar and free amino acid content and composition of caterpillars fed non-Bt and Bt cotton. The only change in susceptible H. armigera larvae attributable to Bt cotton feeding were changes in sugar concentration and composition. In case of the Cry1Ac-resistant H. armigera strain, feeding on Bt cotton resulted in a reduced glycogen content in the caterpillars. The predators, however, appeared to compensate for the reduced carbohydrate content of the prey by increasing biomass uptake which caused an excess intake of the other analyzed nutritional compounds. Our study clearly proves that nutritional prey-quality factors other then the Bt protein underlie the observed negative effects when C. carnea larvae are fed with Bt cotton-fed prey. Possible factors were an altered sugar composition or fitness costs associated with the excess intake of other nutrients.     

Effects of Transgenic Cry1Ac + CpTI Cotton on Non-Target Mealybug Pest Ferrisia virgata and Its Predator Cryptolaemus montrouzieri

Recently, several invasive mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) have rapidly spread to Asia and have become a serious threat to the production of cotton including transgenic cotton. Thus far, studies have mainly focused on the effects of mealybugs on non-transgenic cotton, without fully considering their effects on transgenic cotton and trophic interactions. Therefore, investigating the potential effects of mealybugs on transgenic cotton and their key natural enemies is vitally important. A first study on the effects of transgenic cotton on a non-target mealybug, Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) was performed by comparing its development, survival and body weight on transgenic cotton leaves expressing Cry1Ac (Bt toxin) + CpTI (Cowpea Trypsin Inhibitor) with those on its near-isogenic non-transgenic line. Furthermore, the development, survival, body weight, fecundity, adult longevity and feeding preference of the mealybug predator Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) was assessed when fed F. virgata maintained on transgenic cotton. In order to investigate potential transfer of Cry1Ac and CpTI proteins via the food chain, protein levels in cotton leaves, mealybugs and ladybirds were quantified. Experimental results showed that F. virgata could infest this bivalent transgenic cotton. No significant differences were observed in the physiological parameters of the predator C. montrouzieri offered F. virgata reared on transgenic cotton or its near-isogenic line. Cry1Ac and CpTI proteins were detected in transgenic cotton leaves, but no detectable levels of both proteins were present in the mealybug or its predator when reared on transgenic cotton leaves. Our bioassays indicated that transgenic cotton poses a negligible risk to the predatory coccinellid C. montrouzieri via its prey, the mealybug F. virgata.