Vertical stratification of predation on Aulacaspis yasumatsui infesting Cycas micronesica seedlings

Abstract

Container-grown Cycas micronesica seedlings were purposefully infested with Aulacaspis yasumatsui and then installed at 0, 75, or 150 cm above the ground to investigate effects of infestation height on predation by Rhyzobius lophanthae. Significantly more scales on elevated seedlings were attacked by the predator. Our results indicate that lower predation at ground level by R. lophanthae may partly explain why the predator is not effectively controlling this armored scale epidemic on Guam. Ephemeral outbreaks of A. yasumatsui documented in quarterly surveys from Sept. 2006 until Aug. 2012 confirm the inadequate biological control. Our results illuminate the importance of fully evaluating the reliance on an alien predator as a solo biological control agent for an alien pest.