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Alternative prey mediate intraguild predation in the open field
Gretchen B Snyder1, Olivia M Smith2, Eric G Chapman3
1Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
Pest Management Science
|February 6, 2022
Summary
Intraguild predation, where predators eat other predators, can disrupt biological control. This study shows that abundant herbivore prey can increase intraguild predation, while detritus prey may lead predators to safer ground foraging.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Entomology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Generalist predators can negatively impact biological control by consuming natural enemies.
- Predator foraging behavior, influenced by risk of predation and prey availability, can affect pest suppression.
- Intraguild predation dynamics are complex, influenced by predator-predator interactions and the availability of diverse prey resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors influencing intraguild predation between *Nabis* sp. and *Geocoris* sp. in potato fields.
- To determine the role of herbivorous and detritivorous prey in mediating intraguild predation.
- To assess the impact of farming systems (organic vs. conventional) on intraguild predation dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized molecular gut-content analysis to identify prey items in *Nabis* sp. predators.
- Quantified densities of key arthropod species, including aphids, thrips, *Geocoris* sp., and *Nabis* sp., in organic and conventional potato fields.
- Correlated predator-predator interactions with prey densities and farming system type.
Main Results:
- Higher densities of herbivorous prey (aphids and thrips) correlated with an increased likelihood of intraguild predation.
- Intraguild predation likelihood was not strongly dependent on the densities of *Nabis* or *Geocoris* or the farming system.
- Evidence suggests *Geocoris* sp. increased consumption of detritivorous prey (*Scaptomyza pallida*) as predator evenness increased, potentially indicating a shift to ground foraging.
Conclusions:
- Herbivorous prey may increase intraguild predation risk for *Geocoris* in foliage, while detritivores may facilitate a shift to safer ground foraging.
- Prey abundance and diversity play a crucial role in modulating predator-predator interference, with species identity and predator behavior being key factors.
- Findings highlight the complex interplay between prey resources and intraguild predation, impacting biological control efficacy in agricultural systems.
Keywords:
conservation biological controldiversitygeneralist predatorsniche shiftpredator-predator interferencespecies identity effectsMore Related Videos
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