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Research article2005Peer reviewedOpen access

Foraging in a complex environment - semiochemicals support searching behaviour of the seven spot ladybird

Pettersson J, Ninkovic V, Glinwood R, Birkett MA, Pickett JA

Abstract

Knowledge of semiochemically-mediated behavioural mechanisms of the seven-spot ladybird, Coccinella septempunctata L., is limited but sufficient to encourage further studies in the behavioural ecology of this well known insect. Recent findings on semiochemicals are discussed in relation to the main traits in the ecology of C. septempunctata. A putative autumn aggregation pheromone, and effects of allelobiotic plant interactions on habitat preferences of adults are reported. Mechanisms for interaction between an aphid alarm pheromone and plant substances are described, and the kairomonal functions of volatiles from C. septempunctata on the parasitoid Dinocampus coccinellae (Schrank) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) are discussed. Considering the polyphagous diet of C septempunctata, investigations on the importance of associative learning of chemical cues in foraging behaviour, and further studies on interactions with other third trophic level organisms will provide interesting lines of research

Published in

European Journal of Entomology
2005, Volume: 102, number: 3, pages: 365-370 Publisher: CZECH ACAD SCI, INST ENTOMOLOGY

      SLU Authors

    • Pettersson, Jan

      • Department of Entomology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
      • Ninkovic, Velemir

        • Department of Entomology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
        • Glinwood, Robert

          • Department of Entomology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

        UKÄ Subject classification

        Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use
        Agricultural Science

        Publication identifier

        DOI: https://doi.org/10.14411/eje.2005.053

        Permanent link to this page (URI)

        https://res.slu.se/id/publ/7137