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Abstract
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Eretmocerus mundus Mercet is one of the key natural enemies of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). In this study, the sublethal
effects of LC25 of imidacloprid and field-recommended concentration of buprofezin on the functional response
of E. mundus to different densities of second instar B. tabaci nymphs were evaluated. The results revealed a type III
functional response in the control and imidacloprid treatment. The type III functional response was altered into a
type II by buprofezin. Although imidacloprid did not alter the type of functional response of E. mundus compared to
the control, it negatively affected the handling time and maximum attack rate of the parasitoid. Therefore, the use of
this insecticide should be evaluated carefully in IPM programs.
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