Functional response of Adalia bipunctata (Col., Coccinellidae) reared on Aphis punicae (Hom., Aphididae) in laboratory conditions

Two spotted ladybird, Adalia bipunctata is one of the biological control agents of some pests. In this research functional response of fourth instar larvae and adults of A. bipunctata reared on Aphis punicae was studied in controlled condition at temperature on fixed 27±2°C, %45±10 relative humidity and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) hours. The results were analyzed according to Juliano method using SAS software. Logistic regression was used for determining type of functional response. In this case functional response of fourth instars larves and adults of A. bipunctata was determined as type II. It emphasised bynegative slope Logistic regressionNa/Nt­ line. The non-linear regression and the Rogers model were used for estimating searching efficiency (a), handling time (Th) coefficient of determination (R2) and maximum attack rate (T/Th) that the estimated values were 0.220±0.037, 0.073±0.021, 0.951 and 82.192 for4th instar larvae and 0.144±0.031, 0.084±0.037, 0.8905 and 71.428 for adults of Adalia bipunctata, respectively. So 4th instar larvae beause of higher searching efficiency and lower handling time is more effective than adults for controlling of A. punicae.