The influence of predation by Syrphus Sp. on the numbers of Cardiaspina albitextura (Psyllidae).

Abstract

Field observations have shown that the larvae of an unnamed species of Syrphus (closely related to S. viridiceps) are predacious on late instar nymphs of C. albitextura, the fifth (final) instar nymph being the stage attacked most heavily. It was found that Syrphus larvae killed up to about 35% of third to fifth instar nymphs. However, because of the overriding influence of other factors, the mortality caused by Syrphus played only a minor part in the determination of psyllid abundance.