Understanding the traits that might be linked with biological invasions represents a great challenge for preventing non-target effects on local biodiversity. In predatory insects, the ability to exploit habitats for oviposition and the physiological response to prey availability differs between species. Those species that respond more readily to environmental changes may confer to their offspring a competitive advantage over other species. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the invasive Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) makes better use of information from a plant-prey (Vicia faba - Aphis fabae) system compared to the native Oenopia conglobata. Y-tube olfactometer bioassays revealed that both species used olfactory cues from the system, but H. axyridis exhibited a more complete response. This species was also attracted by plants previously infested by aphids, indicating the capacity to exploit volatile synomones induced in plants by aphid attack. Oocyte resorption was investigated when different olfactory stimuli were provided under prey shortage and the readiness of new oogenesis was measured when prey was available again. H. axyridis exhibited higher plasticity in oogenesis related to the presence/absence of plant-aphid volatiles. Our results support the hypothesis that H. axyridis is more reactive than O. conglobata to olfactory cues from the plant-prey system.

(1) Intraguild predation (IGP) can occur among aphidophagous predators thus reducing their effectiveness in controlling crop pests. Among ladybirds, Coccinella septempunctata L. and Hippodamia variegata Goeze are the most effective predators upon Aphis gossypii Glov., which is an economically important pest of melon. Understanding their likelihood to engage in reciprocal predation is a key point for conservation of biological control. Here, we aim to investigate, under laboratory conditions, the level of IGP between the two above mentioned aphidophagous species. (2) Fourth-instars of the two species were isolated in petri dishes with combinations of different stages of the heterospecific ladybird and different densities of A. gossypii. The occurrence of IGP events was recorded after six hours. (3) C. septempunctata predated H. variegata at a higher rate than vice versa (70% vs. 43% overall). Higher density of the aphid or older juvenile stage of the IG-prey (22% of fourth instars vs. 74% of eggs and second instars) reduces the likelihood of predation. (4) To our knowledge, IGP between C. septempunctata and H. variegata was investigated for the first time. Results represent a baseline, necessary to predict the likelihood of IGP occurrence in the field.

Despite the fact that natural enemies can synergistically contribute to herbivore pest suppression, sometimes predators engage in intraguild predation (IGP) that might dampen trophic cascades. DNA-based gut-content analysis has become common in assessing trophic connections and biocontrol potential by predators in field systems. Here, we developed a molecular technique that can be used to unravel predation among two ladybirds, Coccinella septempunctata and Hippodamia variegata, and their shared prey, Aphis gossypii. Both ladybirds may provide effective control of the pest. Therefore, understanding their likelihood to engage in IGP is crucial for conservation biological control. Ladybird specimens were collected in melon crop. DNA extraction, primer design and evaluation were conducted. Detectability of prey DNA did not differ significantly between the two ladybirds. H. variegata exhibited higher predation on A. gossypii than C. septempunctata (90.6% vs. 70.9%) and data correction based on DNA detectability confirmed this ranking. IGP was similar among the two species, although corrected data might suggest a stronger predation by C. septempunctata. Intriguingly, IGP by C. septempunctata was lower than predicted by laboratory bioassays, possibly due to the high complexity that arises under field conditions. Implications of our results for biological control and perspectives for ecological network analysis are discussed.