Predation on Neonate Larvae of Diaprepes Abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Florida and Puerto Rico Citrus Groves

Abstract

Predation by ants on neonate (1st instar) larvae of Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.) on the soil surface in citrus groves was less in the afternoon (1200-1530 EST) in Florida (average 9.6% in 2 groves) compared with previously reported evening through morning periods (average 47% for 1 grove). Predation averaged 6.0% at Isabela, Puerto Rico from morning through afternoon and 1.5% at Adjuntas, Puerto Rico in the afternoon (1200-1600 PM AST). Researchers at the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture ARS Lab at Plymouth, FL have shown that most larvae drop from the trees and burrow into the ground from 1200-2000. It is thus concluded that in contrast to the findings of earlier researchers, surface predation by ants is probably much less important than other mortality factors, such as egg predators, subterranean ants and nematodes, and climatic conditions.