Larval development and voracity of Eupeodes americanus (Diptera: Syrphidae): comparison of the focal prey Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and the banker prey Rhopalosiphum padi (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

The American hoverflyEupeodes americanus (Wiedemann) could be a good a biocontrol agent to control the melon aphid (Aphis gossypii Glover), which induces a lot of damage in cucumber crops. Preimaginal development time, survival rate, and occurrence of deformation are similar on both the focal prey,A. gossypii, and the banker prey, the bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.). Third instar and pupal weight are higher for larvae fed with the banker prey. Thead libitum voracity of the syrphid larvae was very high and similar on both preys except for the third-instar larvae which consumed more focal prey. AbstractUnlike European species, the potential of Nearctic syrphids as biological control agents is still poorly studied. However, the American hoverfly,Eupeodes americanus (Wiedemann), has recently demonstrated promising traits as a biocontrol agent, notably against the foxglove aphid,Aulacorthum solani Kaltenbach, on pepper. The present study aims to extend our knowledge of the American hoverfly by evaluating its potential as a biocontrol agent in a banker plant system against the melon aphid,Aphis gossypii Glover, in a greenhouse cucumber crop. The preimaginal development and voracity ofE. americanus were compared when preying upon the focal prey/pest (A. gossypii) or the banker prey (bird cherry-oat aphid,Rhopalosiphum padi L.) by daily observations of larvae from egg to adult. Preimaginal development time, survival rate, and occurrence of deformation were similar on bo...

Source: Insect Science - August 11, 2023 Category: Biology Authors: Arlette Fauteux, Antonio Onofre Soares, Eric Lucas Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research