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Aphid suitability and its relationship to oviposition preference in predatory hoverflies
Hussein Sadeghi1, Francis Gilbert1
1School of Biological Sciences, Nottingham University, Nottingham, UK.
The Journal of Animal Ecology
|January 10, 2018
Summary
Generalist predators Episyrphus balteatus and Syrphus ribesii showed similar fitness across various aphid prey. Oviposition preference weakly correlated with performance in Syrphus ribesii, but not in Episyrphus balteatus.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Insect Ecology
- Predator-Prey Dynamics
Background:
- Generalist predators, including aphidophagous hoverfly larvae (Syrphidae), play a crucial role in regulating aphid populations.
- Prey specialization can significantly impact predator fitness, but the extent of this in Syrphidae remains incompletely understood.
- Understanding predator-prey relationships is vital for integrated pest management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the fitness consequences for two generalist aphid predator species, Episyrphus balteatus and Syrphus ribesii, when feeding on a range of common aphid species.
- To synthesize existing literature on prey specialization within the Syrphidae family.
- To investigate the relationship between oviposition preference and performance in these hoverfly species.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory experiments were conducted to measure fitness components of Episyrphus balteatus and Syrphus ribesii larvae fed on eight different aphid species.
- A literature review was performed to summarize studies on prey specialization in Syrphidae.
- Oviposition preference was assessed using both field larval distribution and laboratory egg distribution data, and correlated with individual fitness.
Main Results:
- Fitness components and overall individual fitness were largely similar across the tested aphid species for both predator species, with a few exceptions noted.
- The literature review indicated broad similarity in fitness across aphid prey for Syrphidae, supporting the experimental findings.
- A significant correlation between oviposition preference and performance was absent in the migratory Episyrphus balteatus, while a weak correlation was observed in the resident Syrphus ribesii.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests that generalist hoverfly predators exhibit a degree of dietary flexibility, with similar fitness outcomes across a range of common aphid prey.
- Oviposition preference appears to be a less reliable indicator of performance for migratory species compared to resident ones within Syrphidae.
- These findings contribute to understanding the ecological dynamics of aphidophagous insects and their role in natural aphid control.
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