Potential investment tradeoff between offspring production and functional recovery promoted by larval cannibalism inCoccinella septempunctata(Coleoptera: coccinellidae)

• DOI: 10.1002/ps.5145
• Publication Date: 2018-07-19T08:43:16Z
• Authors: Pengxiang Wu; Baoxu Ma; Haoyong Ouyang; Jing Xu; Runzhi Zhang
• Keywords: Coccinella septempunctata; Cannibalism

ABSTRACT Background Since larval cannibalism is frequently observed in intensive rearing systems, the regeneration of lost legs common for beneficial species Coccinella septempunctata (Coccinella: Coccinellidae) to adapt competitive environment, but whether functional recovery occurs leg‐regenerated coccinellids remains unknown. To evaluate regenerated right foreleg after being damaged, behaviors ladybugs containing predation, attachment, intraspecific competition, prey preference and fecundity were studied laboratory. Results The consumption searching rate decreased, their handling time extended. A significantly reduced attachment coefficient was detected coccinellids. Because inferiority, greatly hampered competition with normal opponents, this inferiority led a switch from big‐sized adults small‐sized first–second instar nymphs Paratrioza sinica . However, although abilities examined, paternity had higher reproductive output compared paternity. Conclusion Leg‐regenerated caused by may make an investment tradeoff between egg recovery. Thus, potentially improves offspring production biological control agent complex environments. © 2018 Society Chemical Industry