Bifurcation analysis and control of a delayed stage-structured predator–prey model with ratio-dependent Holling type III functional response

Abstract

A delayed stage-structured predator–prey model with ratio-dependent Holling type III functional response is proposed and explored in this study. We discuss the positivity and the existence of equilibrium points. By choosing time delay as the bifurcation parameter and analyzing the relevant characteristic equations, the local stability of the trivial equilibrium, the predator-extinction equilibrium, and the coexistence equilibrium of the system is investigated. In accordance with the normal form method and center manifold theorem, the property analysis of Hopf bifurcation of the system is obtained. Furthermore, for the purpose of protecting the stability of such a biological system, a hybrid control method is presented to control the Hopf bifurcation. Finally, numerical examples are given to verify the theoretical findings.