The searching behaviour of <i>Anthocoris confusus</i> (Reuter) in relation to prey density and plant surface topography

Abstract

Abstract The searching behaviour of A.confusus females was investigated in an artificial arena. Females showed an increase in the frequency of turning movements following feeding and this concentrated search in a small area. As a result more prey were found in areas where prey distribution was clumped. If no prey was encountered within 5–8 min the search track straightened out. First and second instar nymphs searching on broad bean plants moved faster on the undersides of leaves which were the sites most likely to support aphid populations. A considerable proportion of available time was wasted in periods of inactivity. It was concluded that while plant topography strongly influences search pattern, the underlying trend demonstrated in these experiments was of advantage to predators searching for colonial prey.