The larvae of several species of lacewing occur on apple but the green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea is the species most likely to be encountered. It overwinters as an adult (often in artificial refuges if provided) and emerges early in spring. Adults are …
Flowering plants Many wild flower species attract insects that are predators or parasitoids of fruit pests. The plants may provide a food source in the form of nectar or pollen, or plant feeding insects feeding on them may constitute alternative prey or …
The larvae of several species of hoverfly (syrphid) are common predators of aphids on apple and pear. The slightly flattened, maggot like larvae feed amongst aphid colonies and are voracious predators. They can have a significant regulatory effect on …
Ladybird adults and larvae are the commonest predators of aphids. The two, seven and ten spot ladybirds have red wing cases with prominent black spots and are common in orchards. The conifer ladybird (small, black with 4 red spots) is an important early …
The larvae of some midges (e.g. Aphidoletes sp.) feed exclusively on, and are common predators of, aphids and some species (e.g. Feltiella acarisuga ) prey on spider mites. Newly hatched larvae have limited mobility and perceive prey by contact, starving …
Many species of predatory ground beetle (carabid) dwell in or on the soil surface in orchards. Most do not climb the tree in search of prey but some may foray onto tree trunks occasionally. Larvae and adults feed on a wide range of soil-dwelling insects, …
Spiders are polyphagous predators. They display a variety of prey-capture tactics. Some spiders spin silk webs to ensnare prey, others actively hunt prey. Approximately 40 species can be found in apple orchards in the UK. They do not show specificity …
The baculoviruses are the most important group of virus diseases of insects. They have to be ingested to act and are usually very host specific and are mainly important in moth caterpillars. Several have been exploited as biocontrol agents, notably the …
The common earwig is very widely distributed and abundant on apple trees. Most trees have a resident earwig population. Earwigs are omnivorous feeding on plant material including apple fruit and a wide range of insects and mites. Earwigs mate in late …
Predatory bugs are generalist predators and will feed on and thus help to control many pests including aphids, suckers, spider mites, codling and tortrix moth eggs and young caterpillars. Predatory flower bugs (anthocorids) are often the most common …
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