Predators bugs

Beneficial insects associated with fruit orchards show different responses to diflubenzuron treatment (Broadbent and Pree 1984). Lacewings (Chrysopa oculata) in contact with leaves containing 300 mg/kg DW had reduced survival and inhibited molting of first instar larvae, but the assassin bug (Acholla multispinosa) was not affected by contact with treated leaves. Lacewings and other beneficial predator insects fed diflubenzuron-treated, two-spotted spider mites (Tetrany-chus urticae) for 3 days showed no adverse effects after 14 days (Broadbent and Pree 1984). 

Ants attend the mealy bugs, and these ants are of special importance. The genus Pheidol occurs in the Eastern Hemisphere, and Acropiga in the Western. These insects carry the mealy bugs from place to place, protect them from predators, keep them free from disease and dirt, and are most important in their life economy. Without ant help the mealy bug colonies cannot flourish. 

A prominent characteristic of most true bugs is their use of defensive chemicals produced in specialized scent glands, usually found in the abdomen in im-matures, and in the metathorax in adults. However, this pattern is not absolute species that feed on poisonous plants from which they sequester toxic chemical defenses tend to have reduced or modified glands [8,26-28]. Many of these species are also aposematic, vividly advertising their toxicity to would-be predators. The defensive chemistry of bugs has been the subject of a number of reviews [4,6,8,9,12,29,30] and will only be summarized here, with a focus on compounds with interesting or unusual chemistry. 

Aposematic species from two different families produce pungent pyrazines, presumably as an additional warning to potential predators of their toxicity. These include Oncopeltus fasciatus (Lygaeidae, seed bug family) that secretes 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine [28], and the stink bug Murgantia histrionica (Pentatomidae), that oozes froth containing 2-isobutyl- and 2-sec-butyl-3-methoxypyrazine when molested [39]. 

A pair of meadowlarks, for example, may feed their nestlings up to 10,000 grasshoppers, plus many other kinds of bugs. Aphids and codling moth pupae are favorite winter foods for several bird species. Clusters of aphids left on strong, established plants that can tolerate them will make a "nursery" for parasitic wasps and predators to feed and breed on. So give nature a chance before you take action against a pest attack you may find that the job has been done for you. 

Many species of the Ladybug family (Coccinellidae) play a beneficial role in controlling populations of harmful insects such as aphids, mealy bugs and scale insects (70MI30800). Ladybugs have few natural enemies. When disturbed they emit droplets of a fluid from their joints which serve as an efficient deterrent to would-be predators. 

Ladybugs are natural predators of aphids, mealy bugs, and leaf hoppers and may be introduced into a garden environment as a nonchemical pest-control method. 

Moth (Milonia basalis) larvae protection against predator stink bug (.Eocantheconafurcellata) antifeedant (AROM) [cytotoxic]... 

ENEMIES. Under natural conditions the red spider mite has very many enemies and should therefore not be a major problem in organic production. By far the most important enemy is the predatory mite, but globe beetles, green lacewings and the anthocorid bug Orius minutus can also provide valuable assistance. Depending on weather conditions, in some years these predators can achieve control of spider mites even without the aid of predatory mites. 

In recent years there has been natural regulation of pear suckers by hoverfly larvae in June. The hoverfly appears to develop better in cold, wet periods than the anthocorid bug. In knockdown tests and visual inspections, 80% of the predators were hoverflies. 

Wash aphids from plants with a strong spray of water repeat as needed to control infestations. Encourage natural predators and parasites such as aphid midges, assassin bugs, iacewings, lady beetles, and spiders. If water sprays fail, apply homemade garlic or tomato-leaf sprays, or try sprays of alcohol, citrus oil, insecticidal soap, or neem. Use boric acid baits to control ants that herd aphids onto plants. As a last resort, spray or dust aphids with pyrethrin. 

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