Mutual interference between predatory anthocorids

• 1 The way in which the predator Anthocoris confusus reacts to the presence of other individuals of the same species is described.
• 2 Mutual interference between adult A.confusus leads to a density-dependent decrease in egg production, due mainly to an increased tendency to migrate from areas of high predator density.
• 3 Even when ten first instar predators were present in a 2 cm diameter cage they did not interfere with each other unless the amount of food available was inadequate for survival.
• 4 Mutual interference between A.confusus adults promotes stability in populations of the predator and will lead to even exploitation of an unevenly distributed food source.