The searching behaviour of Anthocoris confusus (Reuter) in relation to prey density and plant surface topography |
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Authors: | H F EVANS |
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Institution: | Hope Department of Entomology, University Museum, Oxford |
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Abstract: | - 1 The searching behaviour of A.confusus females was investigated in an artificial arena.
- 2 Females showed an increase in the frequency of turning movements following feeding and this concentrated search in a small area. As a result more prey were found in areas where prey distribution was clumped.
- 3 If no prey was encountered within 5–8 min the search track straightened out.
- 4 First and second instar nymphs searching on broad bean plants moved faster on the undersides of leaves which were the sites most likely to support aphid populations. A considerable proportion of available time was wasted in periods of inactivity.
- 5 It was concluded that while plant topography strongly influences search pattern, the underlying trend demonstrated in these experiments was of advantage to predators searching for colonial prey.
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