Skip to main content
Article
Aggregation Behavior of Aplomyiopsis xylota (Diptera: Tachinidae)
Journal of the New York Entomological Society
  • Frank J. Messina, Utah State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-1981
Disciplines
Abstract

The tachinid A. xylota is a common parasitoid of larvae of Trirhabda virgata and T. borealis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in central New York [USA]. Flies aggregated on herbaceous vegetation along the borders between old fields and more shaded habitats (shrubby fields or woodlots). Aggregations comprised from less than 100 to a few thousand individuals, almost all of which were male. Males continuously perched and moved about in sun flecks on the vegetation and frequently grappled with each other. In the old field adjacent to the primary aggregation site, the tachinid sex ratio was strongly skewed toward females. Aggregations of A. xylota are probably involved in mating.

Citation Information
Messina, F.J. 1981. Aggregation behavior of Aplomyiopsis xylota (Diptera: Tachinidae). Journal of the New York Entomological Society 89: 197-201.