Predatory behavior of Pseudodorus clavatus (Diptera, Syrphidae) on aphids tended by ants

Revista Brasileira de Entomologia

Alexandra Bächtold²  Kleber Del-claro¹ 

[1],Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto Ribeirão Preto SP ,Brasil

关键词: Cerrado;    myrmecophilous aphids;    predation;    syrphid;   

DOI  :  10.1590/S0085-56262013005000030

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

Predatory behavior of Pseudodorus clavatus (Diptera, Syrphidae) on aphids tended by ants. In this study, we examined the interactions between myrmecophilous aphids, their ant-guards and a predatory syrphid species, Pseudodorus clavatus (F.). Larvae of this predator were found in the colonies of three aphid species: Aphis gossypii, A. spiraecola and Toxoptera sp., which were tended by eight ant species, especially Camponotus. Hoverfly larvae managed to infiltrate the aphid colonies and consume nymphs. Predator larvae exhibited inconspicuous movements and were not detected by ants which were commonly observed touching and antennating the larvae they come into contact. These results suggest that behavioral and chemical cues are involved in the infiltration and on the successful predation of syrphids upon aphids.

【 授权许可】

CC BY-NC-ND   
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