Prey Acceptability and Preference of Oenopia conglobata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a Candidate for Biological Control in Urban Green Areas.

is one of the most common ladybird species in urban green areas of the Mediterranean region. We have obtained data about its prey acceptability and prey preferences. In a laboratory experiment, we investigated the acceptability of seven aphid and one psyllid species as prey for this coccinellid: the aphids , , , (on white poplar, pomegranate, false acacia, black walnut, lime, and oleander, respectively), and the psyllid on Persian silk tree. These species are abundant in urban green areas in the Mediterranean region. In addition, we tested the acceptability of on barley, an aphid species easily reared in the laboratory. We also tested preferences of the predator in cafeteria experiments with three aphid species and one aphid and the psyllid. Adults and larvae of the coccinellid accepted all of the preys offered, except , with a clear preference for . The predator also showed preference for when it was offered in a cafeteria experiment with other aphid species or with the psyllid. The aphid obtained a good acceptability and could be used for rearing in the laboratory.