Temperature-dependent functional response of Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera: Miridae) to different densities of pupae of cotton whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

The effect of temperature on the functional response of female adults of Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter to different densities of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) pupae was assessed. Three constant temperatures (15, 25, and 35°C) and six prey densities (5, 10, 20, 35, 50, and 70) were tested over a 24-h period. Nesidiocoris tenuis exhibited a type II functional response at 15 and 25°C, and a type III response at 35°C. The number of prey consumed by the predator increased with increase in the prey density at all temperatures. Temperature infl uenced attack rates and handling times. The highest attack rate occurred at 35°C at high densities (35, 50, and 70 prey) and the lowest handling time was recorded at 35°C. The maximum attack rates (T/Th) were 17.13, 42.12, and 45.07 whitefl y pupae per day at 15, 25 and 35°C, respectively. As a result, the value of a/Thindicates that N. tenuis was relatively more effi cient in attacking B. tabaci at 35°C than at lower temperatures. Results suggest that the ability of N. tenuis to detect and consume B. tabaci over a broad range of temperatures, especially high temperatures (25-35°C), makes this mirid a good candidate for the biological control of whitefl ies in warm environments, such as greenhouses.