Preference and Oviposition Rates of Adult Thanasimus dubius (F.)1 on Three Prey Species2

Abstract
The relative preference of adult Thanasimus dubius (F.) (Coleoptera: Cleridae) for two natural prey, the southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimm., and the small (four-spined) southern pine engraver, Ips avulsus (Eichh.) (Scolytidae), and for a laboratory prey, the cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (L.) (Bruchidae), was determined. Newly emerged, hungry T. dubius preferred the two natural prey over C. maculatus, but consumed I. avulsus and D. frontalis as encountered. A 7-day conditioning period did not affect the preference; all predators, when offered a choice of three prey species, preferred I. avulsus. Egg production was significantly lower for T. dubius fed C. maculatus, and egg viability was significantly lower for T. dubius reared on D. frontalis.