Preference for medium dense grass tussocks byHippodamia convergens [Col.: Coccinellidae]

The preference in the choice of hibernacula of the convergent lady beetle,Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Meneville, was investigated with regard to morphological aspects of 2 introduced range grasses,Panicum coloratum (L.), andEragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Beetles strongly preferred tussocks with a ratio in the range of 1.0–3.0 stems per cm² for lovegrass. Preference for klein grass tussocks ranging from 110–130 stems/clump was found. No preference was shown for a particular tussock circumference. It was demonstrated that tussocks could successfully be designated as suitable for beetle aggregation.