The Influence of Ants Upon Parasites, Predators, and Scale Insects1

Abstract

Abstract (in part): The ability of ants to increase the abundance of certain Coccidae on citrus is recognized in the practical control of these pests in California. The role of ants in the collection and colonization of foreign parasites of lecaniine scale insects is discussed. In ant-attended lecani-ine scale infestations, certain parasite species are little influenced by ants while others are strongly suppressed. Following ant removal from infestations of Saissetia oleae (Bern.) and Coccus hesperidium, the pattern of parasite dominance showed that Metaphycus helvolus Comp. and M. luteolus Timb., although not the most abundant species present, were responsible for the subsequent rapid decrease of their respective scale hosts. (....)