INSECT PREDATORS OF MUMMIFIED PEA APHIDS

Aphid parasite larvae in early stages of development are frequently destroyed when insect predators feed on active aphid prey. Stary (1966) discussed insect predators that may feed on living aphids, and thus destroy parasite eggs or larvae. He noted, however, only one case of direct attack on an aphid mummy: that of chrysopid larvae on Aphis fabae Scopoli parasitized by the braconid Lysiphlebus fabarum (Marshall). No observations were reported of direct attacks on mummified aphids by coccinellids, syrphids, or other aphidophagous insects.