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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Gainesville, Florida » Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology » Insect Behavior and Biocontrol Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #255698
Title: FECUNDITY OF FICUS WHITEFLY, SINGHIELLA SIMPLEX (HEMIPTERA: ALEYRODIDAE), AND ITS PREDATION BY DELPHASTUS CATALINAE (COLEOPTERA: COCCINELLIDAE)

Author
item Legaspi, Jesusa
item Miller, Neil
item MANNION, CATHARINE - University Of Florida
item AMALIN, DIVINA - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/28/2010
Publication Date: 10/12/2010
Citation: Legaspi, J.C., Miller, N.W., Mannion, C., Amalin, D. 2010. FECUNDITY OF FICUS WHITEFLY, SINGHIELLA SIMPLEX (HEMIPTERA: ALEYRODIDAE), AND ITS PREDATION BY DELPHASTUS CATALINAE (COLEOPTERA: COCCINELLIDAE)[abstract]. Potential Invasive Pests Workshop, October 2010, Coconut Grove, Florida. p.39.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Ficus Whitefly (Singhiella simplex) was first reported in Miami-Dade County in August 2007. This invasive pest causes infested plants to exhibit leaf yellowing, followed by leaf drop. The pest has been recorded on multiple ficus hosts including Ficus benjamina, F. altissima, F. bengalensis, F. microcarpa, F. aurea, F. lyrata, and F. macllandii. Little information is known about ficus whitefly’s reproduction and development or its potential to be controlled by natural enemies currently present in Florida. We report on reproductive parameters measured under four different temperature regimes (15°C, 25°C, 27°C, and 30°C). In addition, predation rates of the predator Delphastus catalinae are presented for three life stages of ficus whitefly eggs, small nymphs (2nd-3rd instars), and large nymphs (4th instar-pupae). Results from these studies will be used to develop future management strategies.