Numerical Response of Hippodamia variegata and Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Determining the predator-prey relationship and the reproductive abilities of predators depending on prey density is very important in terms of biological control. In this study, numerical responses of Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) and Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) predators of aphids on black bean aphid and pea aphid were tested. In these trials, reproductive abilities of predators at different prey densities were identified. All of the studies were carried out in climate rooms set at 27±1 °C, 65±5% relative humidity and long daylight conditions. In these experiments, it was determined that the number of eggs laid and the reproductive responses (ECI) of both predators on their food increased adhere to the prey densities. It was concluded that both predators, especially in the late development stages, had high reproductive consumption and reproductive capacities on A. fabae and A. pisum, and it is considered that both predators may be effective on these aphids.