Host selection by the citrus blackfly Aleurocanthus woglumi (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae).
Dowell R. V.
Author Affiliation: Agricultural Research Center, Florida University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA.
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 25 : 289-296
Abstract : The author found no evidence of olfactory attractant in orange leaves for the adults of Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby. A. woglumi orientated to any object reflecting light strongly in the 500-600 mm range regardless of shape or size. After landing, females were able to distinguish among a range of potential food-plants. Adults were able to disperse at least 50 m in a 24-h period; 20-30% of the adult population are capable of moving among the 3 most common food-plants in southern Florida (Surinam cherry, Citrus spp. and mango) on a daily basis. A descriptive model of the oviposition process is proposed and discussed.