ENERGY UTILIZATION BY LARVAE OF A FLOWER FLY, SYRPHUS COROLLAE (DIPTERA: SYRPHIDAE)

Abstract

AbstractLarvae of a flower fly, Syrphus corollae Fab., consumed an average of 113.5 cal of pea aphid biomass during 8 days at 20 ± 1°. Sixty-six per cent of consumption occurred on days 6 and 7. Sixty-four per cent of consumed energy was assimilated by the larval body, ca. 55% was converted into larval tissue and 10% was used for body maintenance. When starved, larvae reapportioned some available energy from production to maintenance and developmental time was extended. Each larva destroyed an average of 59 adult aphids which represents conservation of 19.7 cal of pea plant net primary productivity/day.