The Dispersal, Age-Structure and Natural Enemies of the Long-Tailed Mealybug, Pseudococcus Longispinus (Targioni-Tozzetti), in Relation to Sampling and Control.

Abstract

Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni-Tozzetti) had three discrete generations a year. To detect this it was necessary to have at least one count, preferably more, in each developmental stage. Dispersion of mealybugs changed with age: first-instar crawlers dispersed over the whole tree; some second-instars were found in exposed positions but most second- and all third-instar larvae sought sheltered living sites; adults reproduced in protected sites. The presence or absence of fruit affected the places to which the adults moved. Natural enemies were collected and identified and their effectiveness estimated from observations on number and behaviour.