Distribution of corn silk fly, Euxesta spp. and its suppression by Orius insidiousus in the corn field

The Picture Winged Flies, Euxesta spp., are important pests of corns in South Florida. They feed on unexposed silk and kernel of corn, and render the corn ears unmarketable. In 2009, several experiments were initiated to study within field distribution at Tropical Research & Education Center (UFL-IFAS Center) Homestead, Florida. In the fields, their population was higher on the host plants situated on the edges of the field. Also, in addition to Euxesta spp. several other arthropods including minute pirate bugs, earwigs, spiders and mites were found on the host plants. Here we report distribution of corn silk flies along with other associated arthropods and their importance as a biocontrol agent.