Opportunistic random searcher versus intentional search image user.
Sci Rep
; 8(1): 3336, 2018 02 20.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-29463915
We consider two types of optimal foragers: a random searcher and a search image user. A search image user can find its desired prey with higher and undesired prey with lower probability than a random searcher. Our model considers the density-dependent travelling time and the time duration of reproduction (oviposition). In the framework of optimal foraging theory for one predator-two prey systems, we find that there are ranges of prey densities in which the search image user has a higher net energy intake, and there are other ranges of prey densities in which the random searcher has higher net energy intake. The damsel bug Nabis pseudoferus Remane (Hemiptera: Nabidae) is a generalist predator rather than an omnivore. This species has a wide range of arthropod prey (predominantly insects and mites). Several aspects of the biology of this species have been studied, especially its cannibalistic behaviour, which is a quite important feature because N. pseudoferus is often used as a biological control agent against lepidopteran pests in greenhouse crops. Experimentally, we found that Nabis is a search image user in the above sense.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Predatory Behavior
/
Heteroptera
/
Mites
/
Models, Theoretical
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Sci Rep
Year:
2018
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Hungria
Country of publication:
Reino Unido