Effect of prey stress from Propylea japonica on development and fecundity of Drosophila melanogaster in successive three generations
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Key Words：Drosophila melanogaster, Propylea japonica, prey stress, development, fecundity
Abstract： The development and fecundity of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, were examined as the response to the predator, Propylaea japonica Thunberg. The results showed that the developmental duration of larvae in the first and second generation decreased under continuous stress from ladybeetle, and the fecundity increased. However, the developmental duration of larvae increased and fecundity decreased in the third generation. When the prey stress disappeared, the developmental duration of larvae after two generations under prey stress was longer than that of larvae after one generation under prey stress, and the fecundity and sexual ratio significantly decreased. In comparison with those under continuous stress, the longevity of adults significantly increased, whereas there was no difference in the fecundity and developmental duration of larvae. It revealed that the stress of P. japonica could indirectly increase the fitness of D. melanogaster, and promote population growth, which led to auto\|regulation of D. melanogaster population