Non-consumptive effects of spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris, presence on adult Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, behavior

Much of the impact of predators on prey occurs via non-consumptive effects (NCE), where the prey changes its behavior, development, or habitat to avoid being eaten by the predator. Most research on NCEs in insects has been conducted on the prey stages that are thought to be most vulnerable to predators, typically larval stages. We know less about how adults, which are often less vulnerable, are affected by predator presence. Adults may prefer to utilize enemy-free space and change their feeding and oviposition behavior to protect their offspring when predators are present. To evaluate this potential effect we used a common and devastating agricultural pest as prey, the Colorado Potato Beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata, as well as the commonly used generalist stink bug predator, Spined Soldier Bug, Podisus maculiventris. Using laboratory and field experiments CPB oviposition and feeding behavior was measured either with or without sham stink bug predators. Sham predators, could not feed on CPB but allowed for other potential cues to be present in the arena (visual, chemical, vibrational). The results show a significant reduction in feeding in the presence of the predator as well as a reduction in number of egg clutches laid. Pinpointing the cue(s) that drive this interaction could lead to potential manipulation of the relationship, which could increase the overall efficiency of the predator effect.