The effect of host plant on the functional response of Stethorus gilvifrons Mulsant

Functional response is considered as one of the most important predator-prey interactions which affected by different factors including host plant characteristics. The effect of leaf surface on functional response of Stethorus gilvifrons Mulsant in larval and adult stages to Tetranychus urticae Koch were studied on three hybrids of cucumber leaves. The results demonstrated that leaf surface of host plants, different prey densities and their interactions affect on the numbers of prey killed by a predator. Logistic regression indicated type III functional response for larvae on all hybrids and adult females on Fadia and Sulan hybrids and males on Fadia and Sina leaves. The results of handling time and attack rate emphasize on the importance of physical traits of plant on the performance and searching efficiency of natural enemies that should be considered for optimizing their application in mite biological control.