Individual Variability and Modifications of the Movement Activity in Adults of Cheilomenes propinqua (Mulsant) (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) at the Day and at the Night Time

Abstract

Laboratory experiments revealed considerable individual variability in the rates of day and night movement activity in starved and fed adults of the predatory ladybird Cheilomenes propinqua. Statistical analysis of the experimental data showed that (1) individual variability of day and night movement activity was determined by different parameters of Ch. propinqua adults, (2) environmental factors differently affected the level of individual variability of day and night movement activity, and (3) the effects of temperature and starvation on modifications of day and night movement activity were also different. These results suggest that the day and night movement activities of Ch. propinqua adults are determined by different physiological mechanisms.