Differentiating temperature responses of predatory insects is an
important part of understanding their life history, and is often necessary for
predicting their potential as bio-control agents of herbivorous insects. To
illustrate the power of current methods of calorespirometry in determining the
response of energy metabolism to environmental variables, we used isothermal
calorimetry to measure metabolic heat and CO2 production rates of
immature multicolored Asian lady beetles (Harmonia axyridis Pallas) as a
function of temperature. Metabolic heat rates (Rq) and respiration
rates (RCO2) of immature, multicolored Asian lady beetle,
were measured in isothermal calorimeters at 5°C intervals from 0 to 40°C.
Anabolic rates and energy use efficiencies were calculated as functions of
temperature from the calorespirometric data. The beetles are predicted to be
most successful in the temperature range from 10 to 35°C, with an optimum from
15 to 25°C. These conclusions agree with results from behavioral studies and the
results demonstrate the energy use efficiency of immature lady beetles changes
continuously with temperature. Calorespirometry is fast and less labor intensive
and provides efficient determination of suitable temperature ranges required for
optimum biological control success for beneficial
insects.
Species 1: Coleoptera Coccinellidae Harmonia
axyridis (multicolored Asian lady beetle)
Keywords: isothermal
calorimetry, temperature dependence
The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA