Patterns in distribution , abundance and prey preferences of parasitoid rove beetles Aleochara bipustulata ( L .) in Hungarian agroecosystems
Abstract
The abundance, habitat preference, seasonal dynamics and prey preferences of parasitoid rove beetles Aleochara bipustulata (L.) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) were investigated in 16 Hungarian agricultural fields. Aleochara bipustulata was the 7th most frequent species in the cumulative samples, and widely occurred in woodland areas of mountains with medium height. The species has no particular soil preferences and its activity density was high in conventionally treated crops. Under laboratory conditions we observed that the adults may consume up to five root maggot larvae (Delia radicum) per day. Laboratory studies revealed that adults are often cannibalistic, eating their own eggs. Adults also consume other fly pests as D. platura and D. florilega. Aleochara bipustulata consumed significantly more D. radicum than D. platura and D. florilega. Aleochara bipustulata may be important biological control agent against Delia species in Hungarian agricultural fields because of its widespread distribution, high host specificity and host acceptance, and a development time which is well synchronised with its host.
Author-supplied keywords
Sign up today - FREE
Mendeley saves you time finding and organizing research. Learn more
- All your research in one place
- Add and import papers easily
- Access it anywhere, anytime