Attack from above: the effect of field margins on movements of aerially dispersing aphid predators.

Abstract

Aerially dispersing aphid predators of the groups Cantharidae, Carabidae, Coccinellidae, Dolichopodidae, Empidae, Linyphiidae, Nabidae, Neuroptera and Staphylinidae were trapped in 8 winter wheat fields above the crop in fields with and without sown 6m flower-rich margins. Total aphid predator numbers were significantly higher in fields with margin surrounds in early May but not later in the year. Cantharidae, Linyphiidae and Tachyporus spp. were found in significantly greater numbers in fields with sown margins compared to those without margins during the wheat growing season. Implications for pest control are discussed.