This presentation will describe the effects of temperature on the activity rates and activity thresholds of two species of fire ant decapitating flies: Pseudacteon curvatus and Pseudacteon tricuspis (Diptera: Phoridae). Both of these South American flies are currently being reared and released as possible self-sustaining biocontrol agents for imported fire ants (Solenopsis) in the United States The presentation will also discuss the impacts of temperature on larval and pupal development rates and the survival of pupae at extreme temperatures.
Species 1: Diptera Phoridae Pseudacteon tricuspis (decapitating fly)
Species 2: Diptera Phoridae Pseudacteon curvatus (decapitating fly)
Species 3: Hymenoptera Formicidae Solenopsis (fire ants)
Keywords: biocontrol, thermal limits
The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA