AuthorRotheray, G.E.
Year1989
TitleAphid Predators
ISBN0 85546 269 8
SeriesNaturalists' Handbooks
TypeBook/Report
How CompleteCovers common representative species of families of Aphid predators. Also a partial key to Thaumatomyia (p44)
SourceNaturalists' Handbooks, 11, 77pp, The Richmond Publishing Co. Ltd
IllustrationsLine drawings alongside the text and 2 colour plates bound in the centre.
Review (by Malcolm Storey)

Handy booklet covering common species of aphids and number of taxonomic groups which attack them.

The guide to common species of aphids on various hosts is followed by partial keys to major groups of invertebrates preying on Aphids. (Note: keys only work for specimens of at least the lengths given on page 36). Keys are presented for: Syrphidae (larvae and adults), Coccinellidae (larvae and adults), Cecidomyiidae (aphid midge larvae), Anthocoridae (larvae and adults), Neuroptera (larvae and adults) and Formicidae (adults) followed by a guide to common Carabidae and Staphylinidae.

Examine with x8 or x10 hand lens ( Stereo Microscope is also useful)
Identification difficultyVaried

Notes & PurposeStatusTaxonEnglishClassification
For identificationCurrentCARABIDAEground beetles, tiger beetlesAnimalia: Coleoptera
For identification, Keys to larvae and to adults of aphidivorous species - better to use Majerus and Kearns "Ladybirds" in the same series.CurrentCOCCINELLIDAEladybirds, ladybugsAnimalia: Coleoptera
For identificationCurrentSTAPHYLINIDAErove beetlesAnimalia: Coleoptera
For identification, Keys to larvae of aphidivorous species. In first couplet: translucent larvae count as "otherwise coloured". CurrentSYRPHIDAEhover flies, drone flies, flower flies, hoverflyAnimalia: Diptera
For identification, Key to adults of aphidivorous species. CurrentSYRPHIDAEhover flies, drone flies, flower flies, hoverflyAnimalia: Diptera
For identificationCurrentCECIDOMYIIDAEwood, gall, rust and aphid midgesAnimalia: Diptera
For identificationCurrentThaumatomyiaa genus of chloropid fliesAnimalia: Diptera: Chloropidae
For identificationCurrentFORMICIDAEantsAnimalia: Hymenoptera
For identification, Keys to larvae and to adults of aphidivorous speciesCurrentNEUROPTERAlacewingsAnimalia
For identificationCurrentANTHOCORIDAEflower bugsAnimalia: Hemiptera
For identification, Aphids on selected host plantsCurrentAPHIDOIDEAaphidsAnimalia: Hemiptera
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