Eur. J. Entomol. 102 (3): 365-370, 2005 | DOI: 10.14411/eje.2005.053

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

Jan PETTERSSON1, Velemir NINKOVIC1, Robert GLINWOOD1, Michael A. BIRKETT2, John A. PICKETT2
1 Department of Entomology, Box 7044, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
2 Biological Chemistry Division, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Herts., AL5 2JQ, UK

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.

Keywords: Coccinellidae, ladybird, semiochemical, behaviour, habitat, forage(ing)

Received: September 10, 2004; Revised: March 7, 2005; Accepted: March 15, 2005; Published: August 15, 2005  Show citation

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PETTERSSON, J., NINKOVIC, V., GLINWOOD, R., BIRKETT, M.A., & PICKETT, J.A. (2005). Foraging in a complex environment - semiochemicals support searching behaviour of the seven spot ladybird. EJE, 102(3), 365-370. doi: 10.14411/eje.2005.053
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