FORAGING STRATEGIES OF THE PREDATOR Cryptolaemus mantrouzieri Mulsant IN RELATION TO THE PREY Planococcus lilacinus (Cockrell)

A laboratory study was initiated to find out prey-predator interactions and  to understand predator's foraging behavior using the coccinellid predator, C.  monlrouzieri (Mulsant) in relation to pomegranate mealybug, Planococcur lilacinus  (Cockrell). The correlation studies revealed that the predator’s proximity to the prey and  the orientation of the head of the predator towards the prey did not affect the search time.  However, analyses of the variance reveal that the search time increased significantly with  distance from prey when predator was oriented with its head away from the prey). Further,  proximity of prey was found to reduce the pre-feeding distance. The relationship between  distance from the prey and search time was best explained with the exponential model of  Y=e°5“‘, R’ 5 0.49 for orientation towards prey. For orientation away from the prey no  satisfactory model was found. Further, failed attempts of C. montrouzieri increased linearly  with an increase in prefeeding distance. Predation tended to be random or chance  encounters. However, from the results it was concluded that Cmontrvuzieri has a better  detection of prey only at close vicinity of prey, as visual or olfactory cues seemed to have  less role in enhancing predation. Predator not feeding on the first encounter with the  prey, and subsequent feeding support a possibility of predator developing a prey image.  Significance of the study in relation to biological control is discussed.