The impact of predation on the viburnum whitefly, (Aleurotrachelus jelinekii).

Abstract

In association with a detailed study of the population dynamics of the viburnum whitefly, Aleurotrachelus jelinekii, observations were made on the predators including spiders and five species of insect, notably the mirid Campyloneura virgula and the neuropteran Conwentzia psociformis. Although the species richness of the predator guild was positively correlated with prey population density, at the individual level there was little evidence over twelve years of a density dependent relationship. In these populations natural enemies do not seem to play an important role in the dynamics.