@article{article_1697618, title={The effect of different hunger periods on the cannibalistic behavior of the predatory ladybird Oenopia conglobata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)}, journal={Türkiye Biyolojik Mücadele Dergisi}, volume={16}, pages={8–22}, year={2025}, DOI={10.31019/tbmd.1697618}, author={Kubat, Handan and Mamay, Mehmet}, keywords={Oenopia conglobata, Biyolojik mücadele, Kitle Üretim, Kanibalizm, Ephestia kuehniella}, abstract={Cannibalism is a key factors that negatively impacts the economic mass rearing of beneficial insects. Understanding the cannibalistic behavior of beneficial insects is crucial in framework of biological pest control. This study was conducted to determine the effect of different starvation periods on the cannibalistic behavior of the predatory beetle Oenopia conglobata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) under laboratory conditions, in order to improve its mass rearing efficiency. For this purpose, experiments with 10 replications were established to observe the cannibalistic behavior of adult O. conglobata subjected to starvation for 12, 24, and 36 hours, using conspecific eggs and larvae as potential prey. The average number of eggs consumed after 24 hours was 20.8, 32.5, and 40.9 for the 12, 24, and 36-hour starvation groups, respectively. In contrast, the corresponding values in the control group in which supplemental food was provided, were significantly lower: 2.3, 2.9, and 3.3, respectively. Egg cannibalism rate in starved groups were approximately 9-fold, 11-fold, and 12-fold higher than in their respective controls. Similarly, the average number of larvae consumed was 7.8, 8.5, and 9.2, across the increasing starvation durations while in the control group, these values were 1.5, 2.6, and 3.2, respectively. Larval cannibalism rates were approximately 5-fold, 3-fold, and 2-fold higher in the starved groups compared to controls. Additionally, adults consumed more eggs than larvae on a daily average basis. The results clearly demonstrate that starvation significantly increases cannibalistic behavior in adult O. conglobata, with longer starvation periods leading to higher consumption rates of both eggs and larvae. In conclusion, to reduce the adverse effects of cannibalism during mass rearing under insectarium conditions, adequate food must be supplied. Furthermore, rearing protocols should, where feasible, include the isolation of developmental stages most prone to cannibalism to enhance production efficiency.}, number={1}, publisher={Türkiye Biyolojik Mücadele Derneği}, organization={Harran University}