Notes on Beetles as Predators of Eggs of Hylemya brassicae (Bouché) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Observations on predation of eggs of Hylemya brassicae (Bouché) were made from the Belleville laboratory from 1953 to 1955 as part of a general study of the biotic agents that act against the maggots that attack cruciferous crops. In biological control programs more attention has been given to parasites than to predators. Predation is more difficult to observe and to evaluate and, unlike parasitization, cannot be even roughly appraised by the collection and examination of hosts. As a group, predators are less specific in their food requirements and less regular in their habits than parasites and consequently do not lend themselves so readily to manipulation for biological control purposes. Predators used with success in biological control have had a high degree of specificity to their prey. Non-specific predators may, however, in the presence of large numbers of suitable hosts on which to feed, be important factors in reducing populations of noxious insects. Predation on eggs of H. brassicae is an example.