Biocontrol Science and Technology (2016) 26, 337-350

Anegunda S. Dinesha and Melally G. Venkatesha (2016)
Population dynamics of Spalgis epius (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), a candidate biocontrol agent of mealybugs and its interaction with mealybug-attendant ants
Biocontrol Science and Technology 26 (3), 337-350
Abstract: Spalgis epius is an economically important hemipterophagous butterfly. Detailed information on the population dynamics, natural enemies, and prey range of S. epius and its association with mealybug-attendant ant species is lacking. Three years of field studies conducted at Bangalore University campus, Bengaluru, India on these aspects indicated that the population density of S. epius was greatest from June to December and least from February to May in the low land region. S. epius survived on eight prey species, which were present in different months, of which Phenacoccus indicus was recorded as a prey of S. epius for the first time. Different prey species occurred on 12 species of host plants. The occurrence of S. epius was negatively correlated with temperature and positively correlated with relative humidity and prey populations. Six mealybug-attendant ant species were associated with the larvae of S. epius. The seven general predators of S. epius adults were recorded. Knowledge on the population dynamics and a prey range of S. epius and its interaction with mealybug-attendant ant species could be helpful to using this predator as a major biocontrol agent of various species of mealybugs. This study contributed to our understanding of the population dynamics of a hemipterophagous butterfly.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
(original language: English)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Melally Giddegowda Venkatesha

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
population dynamics/epizootiology
environment/habitat manipulation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Spalgis epeus (predator)			India