抄録
Prey searching movement of a ladybeetle, Coccinella septempunctata L., was analyzed using a videorecorder to evaluate the insect's visual orientation toward its prey. The ladybeetle oriented 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. However, 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. These results suggest that the ladybeetle visually perceives the prey only at close proximity.
