Study of preference and functional response of Menochilus sexmaculatus and Coccinella transversalis in several different preys

Abstract

Efendi S, Yaherwandi, Nelly N. 2016. Study of preference and functional response of Menochilus sexmaculatus and Coccinella transversalis in several different preys. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 2: 125-131. Functional response of Menochilus sexmaculatus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Coccinella transversalis Thunberg (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on three different preys namely Aphis gossypii Glover (Homoptera: Aphididae), Aphis craccivora Koch (Homoptera: Aphididae) and Myzus persicae Sulz (Homoptera: Aphididae) had been investigated with the aim to determine the type of functional response in each of prey. The densities of prey exposed were 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 individuals. Exposure was carried out for one hour. Coccinellidae predators used were the female imago that made hungry for 12 hours. The determination of the type of functional response was analyzed by a logistic regression, while the predation rate was analyzed by using a Holling formula. The results showed that density and type of prey affected the predation rate and type of functional response on both test insects. The rate of predation of M. sexmaculatus and C. transversalis is no significant on three types of prey exposed. Likewise, based on the results of logistic regression analysis revealed that M. sexmaculatus showed a functional response to A. craccivora of type I and type III on preys of M. persicae and A. gossypii. In contrast to C. transversalis, the prey of A. gossypii, A. craccivora and M. persicae were belonging to the functional response of type I. These results indicated that the predator of M. sexmaculatus and C. transversalis were potential as an effective biological control agent.