Author
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Vogt, James |
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Submitted to: Imported Fire Ants Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 7/4/2002 Publication Date: 3/24/2002 Citation: VOGT, J.T. Light Intensity Affects Distribution of Attacking Pseudacteon curvatus (Diptera: Phoridae) in a Laboratory Rearing System. IMPORTED FIRE ANTS CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS. 2002. P.16-20. Interpretive Summary: Pseudacteon phorid flies ("decapitating flies") show promise as classical biological control agents for imported fire ants. These tiny flies are reared in large "attack boxes," where the adult female flies locate and parasitize imported fire ant workers. The flies are attracted to light, and in an effort to increase rearing efficiency, light intensity in an attack box was manipulated and fly distribution in the box was measured over time. In the initial light regime, flies were more active in the center of the attack box. A modified light regime increased fly attack in the box ends, resulting in more even fly distribution and more efficient use of the system. Technical Abstract: Distribution of attacking phorid flies (Pseudacteon curvatus Borgmeier) in a laboratory rearing system was tested for dependence on light intensity under 2 different light regimes. Light intensity (range, approx. 220-340 Lux) influenced fly distribution in light regime 1; in the second light regime, light intensity (range, approx. 300-390 Lux) had no effect. Results highlight the importance of testing distribution of attacking flies in phorid rearing systems and adjusting light configuration as necessary to optimize use of rearing space. |
