Seasonal abundance of Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) and its parasitoids in South Florida citrus

Abstract

Seasonal abundance and parasitism of the leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton were investigated from summer 1993 through spring 1995 on 'Tahiti' limes in Dade County, Florida. P. citrella population density increased from spring through fall and declined during winter 1994 and 1995. Eight species of parasitoids attacked P. citrella immatures in commercial and experimental lime orchards. The Eulophid Puigalio minio (Walker), a primary ectoparasitoid, comprised ≃80% of the parasitoids that emerged from parasitized P. citrella. Species and abundance of adult parasitoids varied considerably between leafminer generations. Overall percentage of parasitism was higher on unsprayed than sprayed trees.