The quality of aphids as food for generalist predators: implications for natural control of aphids. A review
Toft, S.(Aarhus Univ. (Denmark). Dept. of Ecology and Genetics)E-mail:soeren.toft@biology.au.dk
The paper reviews existing data on the food quality of cereal aphids for generalist predators. Data are presented for spiders, harvestmen, carabid and staphylinid beetles, cockroaches, ants and one species of bird. All results agree that cereal aphids are low-quality food in comparison with alternative prey types. This is associated both with a low consumption capacity for aphids and a low utilization efficiency of the aphid food. Aphids as part of mixed diets can have negative, neutral or positive effects, which depends on the quality of the remaining diet. Genetic variation in the ability to tolerate aphids has been documented, indicating that predators may be able to adapt to a higher proportion of aphids in the diet in areas where outbreaks are frequent. Simulation modelling shows the impact of generalist predators on aphid population dynamics.
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