Individual repeatability and geographical variation in the larval behaviour of the generalist predator, Chrysopa quadripunctata

Larvae from three populations of Chrysopa quadripunctata, a generalist predator with diverse habitat and prey associations, were reared under common environmental conditions and tested for patterns of variation in their feeding and defensive behaviour under two regimens. The results revealed two patterns: individual repeatability and geographical variation in specific larval activities. First, individual larvae expressed consistency in the propensity to camouflage themselves and in the priority they gave camouflaging versus feeding; they retained their characteristic levels of behaviour after two moults. Such consistency in the behaviour of a predatory arthropod has not been previously reported. Second, the larvae showed significant geographical variation in quantitative aspects of feeding and camouflaging, as well as in their responsiveness to camouflaging material (behavioural plasticity). The pattern of geographical variation in larval behaviour reflects the differential characteristics of the prey that these populations encounter in nature. We conclude that disparate prey resources can lead to the differentiation of locally adapted larval behaviour and the evolution of specialization.