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Patch-exploitation patterns in an egg parasite of elm leaf beetle

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Abstract

Eggs of elm beetle,Pyrrhalta luteola (Muller), normally occur in masses which can be viewed as discrete host patches in space and time. Analysis of>800 egg masses from 3 field sites in northern California revealed that the number of eggs/mass varied from 2 to>40 and that the imported egg parasiteTetrastichus gallerucae (Fonsc.) exploited a relatively large proported of the egg masses at certain times. The spatial relationship between parasitization and number of eggs/egg mass was assessed in 2 ways-i.e., for exploited masses only and for all masses combined (exploited+nonexploited). Percent parasitization was density independent in most cases for both data sets. It is suggested that both methods of analysis can provide patterns which are relevant to biological control of insect pests.

Résumé

Les œufs de la Galéruque de l'Orme,Pyrrhalta luteola (MULLER) sont déposés normalement en paquets visibles sous forme de plaques d'hôtes discrètes dans l'espace et dans le temps. L'analyse de plus de 800 plaques issues de trois localités du Nord de la Californie révèle que le nombre d'œufs/plaque varie de 2 à plus de 40 et que le parasite oophage importéTetrastichus gallerucae (FONSC) exploite une proportion relativement grande des plaques d'œufs à certaines périodes.

La relation spatiale entre le parasitisme et le nombre d'œufs/plaque s'estime de 2 façons différentes: par les plaques exploitées uniquement ou par toutes les plaques combinées, qu'elles soient attaquées ou non. Le pourcentage de parasitisme est indépendant de la densité dans la plupart des cas.

On suggère que les 2 méthodes d'analyse peuvent fournir des modèles qui son applicables dans la lutte biologique contre les ravageurs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Entomology, University of California, 95616, Davis, California, USA

    L. E. Ehler, R. L. Bugg, M. B. Hertlein, H. P. Sauter & K. Thorarinsson

Authors
  1. L. E. Ehler
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  2. R. L. Bugg
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  3. M. B. Hertlein
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  4. H. P. Sauter
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  5. K. Thorarinsson
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Ehler, L.E., Bugg, R.L., Hertlein, M.B. et al. Patch-exploitation patterns in an egg parasite of elm leaf beetle. Entomophaga 32, 233–239 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02373245

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02373245

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