Feeding behavior of predatory bug Nabis ferus (Heteroptera: Nabidae) toward aphids

Abstract

This study investigated the feeding behavior of the generalist predator Nabis ferus (Heteroptera: Nabidae) toward various Aphididae species as prey in a laboratory setting. Data were obtained on the predatory behavior of N. ferus, including a ranking of the most preferred species for feed. Eight representatives of the Aphididae family were used as prey: Schizaphis graminum, Rhopalosiphum padi, Aphis fabae, Megoura viciae, Brevicoryne brassicae, Aphis pomi, Myzus cerasi and Aphis urticata. The average number of prey ranged from 11.2±1.18 in the case of bird cherry-oat aphid to 13.7±0.38 in case of the apple aphid. The consumption of M. viciae individuals was significantly lower, averaging 6.6±1.03 aphids per predator. These studies have implications for the biological control of phytophagous pests in agriculture. These findings highlight the potential of N. ferus as a sustainable and effective control agent to organic farming.