Post-Dropping Behavior of Potato Aphids (Macrosiphum euphorbiae)

Abstract Dropping behavior is an effective antipredator defense utilized by many insects including aphids, which drop from plants to lower plant parts or underlying substrates avoid attack predatory invertebrates. While research commonly focusses on triggers of dropping, less attention given what happens prey individuals following escape drops. In this study, the duration tonic immobility, recovery rates, and cases “instant recovery” (re-clinging parts) exhibited potato aphids ( Macrosiphum euphorbiae ) that dropped potted seedlings in response introduced ladybird Adalia bipunctata adults, lacewing Chrysoperla carnea larvae, a standardized tactile stimulus were investigated relation range environmental factors. Air temperature had negative correlation with post-dropping immobility; as increased, time spent motionless decreased. Aphids also showed pattern increased rate at higher temperatures. may be selected move off substrate quicker risks overheating/desiccation temperatures; and/or body facilitates locomotion. Stimulus type influenced back original seedling, generally recovering after than dropping triggered real predator. Considering instant onto lower-reaches host seedling height likelihood re-clinging, managed instantly recover from, average, taller substrate. Plant architecture could mitigate costs for but further studies quantifying understory foliage cover are needed.