Foothold matters: attachment on plant surfaces promotes the vitality of omnivorous mirid bugs Dicyphus errans

Oviposition preference and adult performance of the whitefly predator Serangium japonicum (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): effect of leaf microstructure associated with ladybeetle attachment ability

“…22 A recent study demonstrated by a broader screening that the attachment and locomotion of predatory mirid bugs on plant surfaces definitively influenced the life performance of the bug. 34 The better the foothold, the higher the fecundity, hatching rate, and prey consumption. Similarly, the present study suggestted that the plant surface structure was related to adult ladybeetle performance and might affect the oviposition preference.…”

“…The plant surface microstructure, including the morphology of epicuticular wax crystals and trichomes, could affect insect attachment, as previously indicated, for example by Gorb and Gorb for phytophagous leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae), 55 Voigt et al for phytophagous stink bugs (Pentatomidae) 58 and Voigt et al for predatory mirid bugs (Miridae). 34,46 Gorb and Gorb considered that successful attachment to the plant surface was probably the predominant reason explaining the attractiveness of some plants to a generalist ant in terms of the frequency of visitations. 59 A better grip was also revealed to determine the host preference of the buff-tailed bumblebee Bombus terrestris L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) 31 and the Glanville fritillary butterfly Melitaea cinxia (L.) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae).…”

“…Voigt also demonstrated that the life history traits of predatory mirid bug, such as fecundity, hatching rate, and juvenile development, were significantly and positively correlated with attachment ability. 34 The higher density of stomata found in cucumber and eggplant leaves may also increase ladybeetle's attachment force, because stomata increase the roughness of the plant surface which providing better purchase for the insects' claw. 60 However, cuticular folds existed in the ALS of sweetpotato may decrease ladybeetle's attachment force, due to the reduction of the real contact area between the surface and the ladybeetle's adhesive devices (tenant setae and claw).…”

“…9,23,27,28 However, the mechanisms underlying predator preference are poorly understood. A few studies examined the correlation between preference and attachment, and showed that the ability to attach to the leaf surface is critical in insect oviposition choice, egg attachment and performance of several life parameters, [29][30][31][32][33][34] and successful ladybeetle invasion. 22 Serangium japonicum Chapin (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is commercially available 35 and widely spread in southern China as a vital biological control agent of whitefly Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), one of the most devastating insect pests of numerous crops worldwide.…”

“…However, the mechanisms underlying predator preference are poorly understood. A few studies examined the correlation between preference and attachment, and showed that the ability to attach to the leaf surface is critical in insect oviposition choice, egg attachment and performance of several life parameters, 29–34 and successful ladybeetle invasion 22 …”