The Journal of Zoology Studies
` Vol. 1 No. 6 2014
Journalofzoology.com
Page 11
The Journal of Zoology Studies 2014; 1(6): 11-16
ISSN 2348-5914
JOZS 2014; 1(6): 11-16
JOZS © 2014
Received: 25-10-2014
Accepted: 20-11-2014
N.M.Soomro
Department of Zoology,
University of Sindh, Jamshoro,
Pakistan
M.H.Soomro
Department of Zoology,
University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
J.I.Chandio
Department of Statistics,
University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
T.J. Ursani
Department of Zoology,
University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
S. Malik
Department of Zoology,
University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
Z.A.Palh
Department of Fresh Water
Biolody and Fisheries,
University of Sindh, Jamshoro,
Pakistan
K.H.Lashari
Department of Fresh Water
Biolody and Fisheries,
University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
Z.A. Laghari
Department of Physiology,
University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
Corresponding Author:
Z.A.Palh
Department of Fresh Water
Biolody and Fisheries,
University of Sindh, Jamshoro,
Pakistan
E-mail: zameer_ali110@hotmail.com
Functional response of the predators mirid bug and wolf spider
against white-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera
(Horvath)
Authors: N.M.Soomro, M.H.Soomro, J.I.Chandio, T.J. Ursani, S. Malik, Z.A.Palh,
K.H.Lashari, Z.A. Laghari
Abstract
The feeding response of predators on eggs and nymphal densities of white-backed plant hopper
(WBPH) was studied. The results indicate that the number of eggs and nymphs of WBPH
consumed by the mirid bug greatly increased as prey density increased. It was also concluded
that Cyrtorhinus Lividipennis is a voracious predator on eggs and nymphs of Sogatellafurcifera
compared to the predator Pardosa pseudoannulata.
Keywords: Feeding response, Predators, Prey
1. Introduction
To check the growth and population of various pests, nature has provided predators.
Unfortunately in Pakistan the study of these predators has not been exploited as thoroughly as
their utility and economic importance would warrant. Knowledge about the beneficial insects is
extremely limited and scattered in the literature. Present study highlights the control of white-
backed plant hopper, Sogatellafurcifera (Horvath) a serious pest of rice
[5,7]
through mirid bug,
Cyrtorhinuslividipennis (Reuter)and wolf spider, Pardosa pseudoannulata (Boe.& St.).
The mirid bug, C.lividipennis and wolf Spider, P.pseudoannulataare probable the best
predators. They have the potential to be a bio control agent of the prey. In developing countries
particularly in Pakistan, where the use of insecticide is common the introduction of natural
enemies would be beneficial. This study aims to determine the functional response of the
predators to the white-backed plant hopper at all developmental stages at different densities.