The journal “Plant Protection Bulletin” published an article by E. I. Shatalova, a researcher at the Siberian Federal Research Centre of Agro-BioTechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, “Food behavior of the predatory bug Nabis ferus (Heteroptera: Nabidae) in relation to aphids”.
The study investigated the feeding behavior of the omnivorous predator Nabis ferus (Heteroptera: Nabidae) towards different aphid species as a prey under laboratory conditions. Data on the predatory behavior of N. ferus were obtained, including a ranking of the most preferred species as a prey. Eight representatives of the aphid family were used as a prey: Schizaphis graminum, Rhopalosiphum padi, Aphis fabae, Megoura viciae, Brevicoryne brassicae, Aphis pomi, Myzus cerasi and Aphis urticata.
The average number of preys ranged from 11.2±1.18 in case of cherry aphid to 13.7±0.38 in case of apple aphid. Consumption of M. viciae individuals was significantly lower, averaging 6.6±1.03 aphids per predator. These studies have implications for biological control of phytophages in agriculture. The results emphasize the potential of N. ferus as a sustainable and effective pest control agent in organic agriculture.