Insect Predator-Prey Dynamics: Ladybird Beetles and Biological Control - Softcover

Dixon, A. F. G.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 052101770X ISBN 13: 9780521017701

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2005

Synopsis

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.

About this title

Book Description

Much of our understanding of insect predator-prey dynamics has been a result of studies of insect parasitoids, rather than true predators. This book explores the dynamics of ladybird beetles, true predators of aphids and coccids, highlighting similarities and differences between these and parasitoids. The implications of these findings for the identification of successful biological control agents is examined, making this an important resource for all those interested in pest management, insect population biology or entomology.

Review

"The book is well organized and very well written...Recommended for biology, ecology, entomology, biological control, and related fields. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals." Choice

"Dixon has marked a clear and inviting path forward; the book succeeds well in expanding our perspectives on how insect predators interact with their prey." Ecology

"This book is an excellent review of many of the studies conducted in the field...The extensive work conducted on ladybird beetles provides a good basis for examining insect predator-prey dynamics, and this eloquent book is an excellent synopsis of the research. This volume will be invaluable to those working on insect predators, but undergraduate ecology students will also enjoy this comprehensive examination of predator-prey dynamics." The Quarterly Review of Biology

"[A] book that anyone studying coccinellids or biological control should get and read...likely to long remain a basic primer on ladybird biology, ecology, population dynamics and practical use in biological control. No serious student working with this family of predators can afford to do without owning his or her own copy!" Ecoscience

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 052101770X
• ISBN 13: 9780521017701
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 268