An interesting conundrum in biological control questions the efficiency of generalist predators as biological control agents. Theory suggests, generalist predators are poor agents for biological control, primarily due to mutual interference. However field evidence shows they are actually quite effective in regulating pest densities. In this work we provide a plausible answer to this paradox. We...

The predation and searching efficiency of fourth instar of predatory C. septempunctata at various densities of mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) and predator was investigated under laboratory conditions. The feeding rate of predatory stage decreased at increased prey- and predator densities. Highest percent (92.80%) prey consumption was observed at initial prey density and lowest per...

A modified version of our previously analyzed prey-predator refuge model is presented in this article by introducing Allee effect on the predator species and mutual interference among predators. Possible number coexistence equilibrium points are investigated with help prey nullcline. The local stability Hopf-bifurcation conditions established around equilibria. We have also discussed nature uni...

Abstract Anagyrus lopezi is a specialist parasitoid was introduced to Indonesia in 2014 control cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti. Plesiochrysa ramburi and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri are generalist predator insects associated with the mealybug. Intraguild predation crucial competition an insect community. The study objective investigate interference of both predators on healthy mealybug (un...

Multiple predator species can interact as well as strongly affect lower trophic levels, resulting in complex, nonadditive effects on prey populations and community structure. Studies of aquatic systems have shown that interactive effects of predators on prey are not necessarily predictable from the direct effects of each species alone. To test for complex interactions, the individual and combin...

1. Functional response models (e.g. Holling's disc equation) that do not take the spatial distributions of prey and predators into account are likely to produce biased estimates of predation rates. 2. To investigate the consequences of ignoring prey distribution and predator aggregation, a general analytical model of a predator population occupying a patchy environment with a single species of ...