The Role of Predators in Insect Pest Control

Abstract

Insect pests significantly restrict agricultural and horticultural productivity, which results in the widespread use of synthetic pesticides.  The adverse effects of chemical management, such as insect resistance, environmental contamination, and harm to non-target species, emphasize the need for sustainable alternatives. Vertebrates and predatory arthropods are crucial to the biological control of pests in integrated pest management (IPM) systems. This review examines the ecological and functional significance of key predatory taxa, including coccinellid beetles (e.g., Coccinella septempunctata, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri), predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis, Amblyseius swirskii), green lacewings (Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi), predatory bugs (e.g., Orius spp., Cyrtorhinus lividipennis), spiders, and insectivorous birds.  These predators effectively control populations of lepidopteran larvae, mealy bugs, thrips, mites, and aphids across a range of cropping regimes.