SEASONAL ABUNDANCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF PREDATORS AND PARASITES ASSOCIATED WITH MONELLIOPSIS PECANIS BISSELL AND MONELLIA CARYELLA (FITCH) (HOMOPTERA: APHIDAE)1

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Abstract
A survey of predators and parasites associated with the pecan aphids Monelliopsis pecanis Bissell and Monellia caryella (Fitch), revealed the presence of approximately 33 aphidophagous arthropod species. The most abundant predators included Chrysopa rufilabris Burmeister, C. quadripunctata Burmeister, Micromus posticus (Walsh), Coniopteryx simplicior Meinander, Olla abdominalis (Say), Coleomegilla maculata (Mulsant), Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Mineville, and Allograpta oblique (Say). Three parasite species were collected and two subsequently identified from aphid mummies, including Aphelinus perpallidus Gahan, and Alloxysta schlingeri Andrews. Predators were most abundant at times of greatest aphid abundance; parasite abundance varied. No directional or height preferences in tree canopies were noted for predators or parasites.