Insect Predator-Prey Dynamics: Ladybird Beetles and Biological Control

ISBN-13: 9780521622035 / Angielski / Twarda / 2000 / 268 str.

A. F. G. Dixon

Opis

Ladybird beetles are typical predators that feed on a wide range of insect prey, and have been used extensively in the biocontrol of insect pests. This volume explores basic ladybird biology, in particular, their close association with prey and its effect on their rate of development and body size. The author uses optimal foraging theory, field observations, and laboratory experiments to illustrate how ladybird larvae maximize their rate of energy intake, and ladybird adults their fitness. The interdependence of these life history parameters is then used to develop a simple predator-prey model that, combined with an analysis of the literature, highlights the specific attributes of potentially successful biocontrol agents for all those interested in predator-prey dynamics.

Recenzje

'… a really interesting and worthwhile book, which can be recommended to anyone who is concerned with population dynamics, biological control or general insect ecology.' Mark Young, Bulletin of the British Ecological Society

Spis treści

Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Basic biology and structure; 3. Body size; 4. Slow-fast continuum in life history parameters; 5. Foraging behaviour; 6. Cannibalism; 7. Theory of predator-prey interactions; 8. Intraguild predation; 9. Biological control; 10. Epilogue; 11. References; Taxonomic index; Subject index.