Interactions of Parasites and a Hyperparasite in Biological Control of Citrus Blackfly, Aleurocanthus woglumi (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), in Florida

Abstract
Citrus blackfly (CBF), Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby, was discovered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in 1976. Parasites Encarsia opulenta (Silvestri) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) and Amitus hesperidum Silvestri (Hymenoptera: Platygasteridae) were released in infested areas. CBF populations declined and control is now mainly due to the k-selected parasite E. opulenta. On Merritt Island, however, a third parasite, now known to be a facultative hyperparasite on E. opulenta, was released: Encarsia smithi (Silvestri). Parasite and CBF populations were monitored on Merritt Island from 1981 to 1984. The three parasite species progressed through an initial dominance by A. hesperidum, to intermediate dominance by E. smithi, to final dominance by E. opulenta.