Feeding potential and functional response of (Mulsant) against potato aphid, Thomas (Hemiptera: Aphididae).

(Mulsant) (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera) is a highly efficient predator of sap-sucking insect pests due to its high feeding capacity and broad prey range. The present investigation was carried out to find out the feeding potential and functional response of fed on different densities of (Thomas) (Aphididae: Hemiptera) nymphs in the condition with the overarching objective of appraising the ladybird beetle's potential as a distinguished biological control agent. The newly emerged coccinellid grubs of a particular stage were reared individually on Petri plates with a known number of nymphs of a particular stage. The single individual of consumed 1104.53, 936.53, 634.07, and 473.20 aphids in one generation when reared on the first, second, third, and fourth instars of , respectively. The female adult of predator recorded as a more voracious feeder compared to the male adult. exhibits a type II functional response against potato aphid, and a significantly negative linear coefficient was obtained after logistic regression analysis for the proportion of prey consumed (N/N) as a function of initial prey density (N). The functional response parameters, i.e. attack rate and handling time, were estimated by applying Roger's random predator equation. The attack rate increased, and handling time decreased with the advancement of the development stage of the predator. The voracious nature of both adults and grubs of the ladybird beetle makes this effective biocontrol agent to be used in the Integrated Pest Management Programme against the potato aphid.