| Popis: |
Aspects of the biology of foliage-fregenting Psocoptera were studied at Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire from Autumn 1965 to Spring 1965.These insects were considered especially in relation to the total arboreal psocid fauna and to their main habitat. i.e. the foliage of different tree species. Psocid samples from litter and from trees were taken concurrently and were counted and identified. Descriptions of the early stages and life histories of nine species are based on field and laboratory data. Several species were found only on some tree species and numbers of others showed large differences on different trees. Some of the factors that may influence the relative numbers of the same species of Psocoptera on different tree species were investigated. Counts of eggs on different tree species also revealed variations in psocid abundance. Aerial dispersal of Psocoptera was assessed with the aid of suction traps. The potential food supply of psocids on foliage of a range of tree species was compared at different times of the year and also with that consumed by psocids. The fecundity of several psocid species fed on foods from different trees was compared. Laboratory experiments showed that selection of oviposition site was related to characteristics of different leaf surfaces. The biology .of two groups of hymenopterous parasites of Psocoptera were examined, especially in relation to their fecundity and host specificity. A series of arthropods were identified as predators of psocids and their numbers on different species of trees were compared. |
