Effect of temperature on the functional response and components of attack rate in Naucoris congrex Stal (Hemiptera : Naucoridae)

The effect of temperature on the functional response of adult Naucoris congrex preying on final-instar mosquito larvae was investigated. A type II functional response was obtained at all temperatures tested (5-25°C). Handling time was negatively correlated with temperature across the entire range investigated; attack rate increased with temperature to a maximum at 20°C. The relationships between temperature and prey density and the behavioural subcomponents of attack rate were also investigated. Encounter rates with individual prey were significantly greater at low prey densities and high temperatures. The frequency of reactive encounters was significantly greater at higher temperatures but was unrelated to prey density; a similar trend was apparent for attack frequency.