Document: BAR-3-99-131

A novel method to analyze respiration characteristics of convergent lady beetles, Hippodamia convergens, Coleoptera: Coccinellidae.

DOGAN, E.B.*, B.N.SMITH, L.D.HANSEN and G.M.BOOTH

Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602 USA 1

Abstract:
Convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens, Col: Coccinellidae, is a successful biological control agent against aphid damage. In this study we examined the characteristics of respiratory metabolism of H. convergens by measuring metabolic heat rates (q) and dark respiration rates (RCO2) calorimetrically at 5o intervals from 15o to 35o C. Measurements of metabolic heat rates and CO2 rates were measured using isothermal calorimetry. CO2 production rate was determined in a calorimeter with a NaOH trap from heat of carbonate formation. The measured temperature dependencies of q and RCO2m were used to model the temperature dependencies of substrate carbon conversion efficiency. Our results suggest temperature dependence of substrate carbon conversion efficiency for lady beetles may be mathematically determined by determination of metabolic heat rate and CO2 rate. The respiration-based calculations of isothermal calorimetry are consistent with known behavior of lady beetles at corresponding temperatures. The lady beetle behavioral responses to temperature can be accurately predicted. The results demonstrate that energy use efficiency of lady beetles changes continuously with temperature. The methodology is novel and provides fast and efficient determination of suitable temperature ranges required for optimum biological control success for beneficial insects.

Keywords: beetles

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This abstract is being presented at: 3:30 PM in session:
ANIMAL ECOLOGY