A case of ecological specialization in ladybirds: Iberorhyzobius rondensis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), potential biocontrol agent of Matsucoccus feytaudi (Hemiptera: Matsucoccidae). Issue 3 (June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tavares, C.; Jactel, H.; van Halder, I.; Mendel, Z.; Branco, M.
• Is Part Of: Bulletin of entomological research. Volume 104:Issue 3(2014)
• Page Start: 367
• Page End: 375
• Publication Date: 2014-06
• Subjects: Entomology -- Periodicals; 595.7
• DOI: 10.1017/S0007485314000182
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-4853

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="normal"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Specialization is an important attribute of a biological control agent. The maritime pine bast scale, <italic>Matsucoccus feytaudi</italic> Ducasse (Hemiptera Matsucoccidae), is an invasive species in Southeast France and the North of Italy. <italic>Iberorhyzobius rondensis</italic> Eizaguirre (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), is a recently described ladybird species. Both adults and larvae are predaceous, feeding on egg masses of <italic>M. feytaudi</italic>, and are strongly attracted to <italic>M. feytaudi'</italic>s sex pheromone. To evaluate the potential of <italic>I. rondensis</italic> as a biocontrol agent of the scale, we studied its niche breadth and prey range with emphasis on pine forests and hemipterans as tested prey. In this study, <italic>I. rondensis</italic> was found to achieve complete development only when fed on <italic>M. feytaudi</italic> egg masses (92.9% survival) and an artificial prey: eggs of <italic>Ephestia kuehniella</italic> Zeller (27.6% survival). From the 2nd instar onwards, complete development could be achieved using other prey species, although larvae had significantly higher mortality and slower development. In choice tests, <italic>M. feytaudi</italic> was the preferred prey. Surveys of the ladybird populations in the Iberian Peninsula revealed that it was found exclusively on <italic>Pinus pinaster</italic> Aiton, the sole host of <italic>M. feytaudi</italic>. The unusual specialization of <italic>I. rondensis</italic>, among other predaceous ladybirds, makes it an appropriate candidate for classical biological control of <italic>M. feytaudi.</italic></p> </abstract>