Visual Orientation of a Ladybeetle, Coccinella septempunctata L., (Coleoptera : Coccinellidae), toward Its Prey

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Abstract
Prey searching movement of C. septempunctata L. was analyzed using a video recorder to evaluate the insect''s visual orientation toward its prey. The ladybeetle orientated toward the aphid prey at a distance of 7 mm under light conditions; it also orientated toward a dummy prey at a 8 mm distance. Under dark conditions, the ladybeetle did not orientate toward the prey at even a 2 mm distance and, upon coming in contact with it, turned around, rushed toward the aphid and captured it. The ladybeetle may usually perceive the prey only at close proximity.