Predatory bugs of Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister: An exotic beetle for biological suppression of Parthenium hysterophorus L

Success of any biocontrol agent in a natural system is determined by biotic and abiotic factors over a period of time. We undertook in-depth investigation on the natural enemies associated with Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), an exotic beetle introduced in India for biol...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current science (Bangalore) 2004-10, Vol.87 (7), p.1005-1010
Main Authors: Gupta, R. K., Khan, M. S., Bali, Kamlesh, Monobrullah, Md, Bhagat, R. M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult insects
Asteraceae
Beetles
Chrysomelidae
Eggs
Instars
Larvae
Life cycle
Natural enemies
Nymphs
Parthenium hysterophorus
Predators
RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
Species
Zygogramma bicolorata
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Summary:Success of any biocontrol agent in a natural system is determined by biotic and abiotic factors over a period of time. We undertook in-depth investigation on the natural enemies associated with Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), an exotic beetle introduced in India for biological suppression of Parthenium hysterophorus L. and report its prédation by three species of predatory bugs, namely Andrallus spinidens Fab., Cantheoconidea furcellata Wolf and Sycanus pyrrhomelas Walker. While the former two pentatomid bugs fed upon grubs exclusively, the latter reduviid predated upon both grubs and adults. The appearance of these bugs followed a definite succession pattern coinciding with the availability of host stage in field conditions. A single adult bug of A. spinidens and C. furcellata consumed on an average of 23 ± 1.3 and 21 ± 1.4 grubs respectively, whereas the assassin bug, S. pyrrhomelas consumed 12 ± 0.9 grubs or 7.6 ± 0.4 adults of this beetle per day. Our findings suggest that the foreseen consequences regarding the unlimited outbreak of this exotic beetle in the absence of a host, if completely destroyed, may not hold true, since the native natural enemies have started adopting this exotic beetle as a prey host in the natural ecosystem.
ISSN:0011-3891