PREDATION ON ADULTS OF THE CRUCIFER FLEA BEETLE, PHYLLOTRETA CRUCIFERAE (GOEZE), BY THE NORTHERN FALL FIELD CRICKET, GRYLLUS PENNSYLVANICUS BURMEISTER (ORTHOPTERA: GRYLLIDAE)

Abstract

Predation on adults of the crucifer flea beetle, Phyllotreta cruciferae (Goeze), by the northern fall field cricket, Gryllus pennsylvanicus Burmeister, was recorded in laboratory tests to identify predators of flea beetles that attack canola and mustard crops. In these tests, four field-collected adult crickets all ate live adult P. icruciferae, as did 15 of 16 lateinstar cricket nymphs. The tests were carried out in 60 by 20 mm disposable plastic Petri dishes, with a stoppered hole to facilitate introduction of flea beetles. A filter paper liner in the bottom of the dish gave the insects a firm footing.