Effect of temperature on the functional response of Adalia bipunctata to Myzus persicae

The effect of temperature on the functional response of female adults of the two-spot ladybird, Adalia bipunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) was examined in petri dish arenas containing sweet pepper leaves infested with different densities of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The predator showed a type II functional response at three tested temperatures ranging from 19A degrees C to 27A degrees C. The theoretical maximum number of prey captured by the predator increased with temperature. Based on the random predator equation, the estimated attack rates ranged from 0.13 h(-1) at 19A degrees C to 0.35 h(-1) at 27A degrees C on a leaf area of 20-25 cm(2). There was no significant difference between the attack rates of the predator at 23A degrees C and 27A degrees C. Handling time significantly decreased as temperature increased from 19A degrees C (0.39 h) to 27A degrees C (0.24 h). This study shows that A. bipunctata displays high predation rates on M. persicae for a wide range of temperatures, indicating its potential for augmentative releases against this aphid pest. The limitations of the predictions generated by functional response experiments are discussed.