Assessment of Aphid Colonies by Hoverflies. III Pea Aphids and Episyrphus Balteatus (de Geer) (diptera: Syrphidae)

The syrphid flyEpisyrphus balteatus (de Geer) migrating from maple trees to leguminous plants in mid-April, assesses the qualitative and quantitative value of pea aphid colonies for securing successful development of her offspring. She selects young and “promising” pea aphid colonies of small size. This generally agrees with the “buy-futures” ovipositional tactic the syrphid fly adopts when it utilizes the maple aphids. The advantage of a “buy-futures” ovipositional tactic found in many syrphid species is discussed in comparison with other aphidophagous insects.