The effect of predator lady beetle odor cues on aphid feeding behavior

Colleen Nersten

Predator odor cues can elicit risk-avoidance behaviors in their prey which can influence prey feeding habits. To determine if Harmonia axyridis (Asian lady beetle) predator odor affects Myzus persicae (green peach aphid) feeding behavior, we measured aphid feeding using the Electrical Penetration Graph (EPG) system. We found changes in aphid feeding which correlate with reduced survival in the presence of predator odor cues.

Major: 
biology
Exhibition Category: 
Health and Life Sciences
Exhibition Format: 
Poster Presentation
Campus: 
University Park
Faculty Sponsor: 
Sara Hermann
Poster Number: 
51746