AN INTRASPECIFIC COMPETITION MODEL FOR THE LEAFMINER, AGROMYZA FRONTELLA (RONDANI)

Abstract

AbstractA mathematical model was constructed to simulate the effect of intraspecific larval competition on the survival of Agromyza frontella (Rondani). It was shown that the probabilities of cannibalism and starvation can be expressed as functions of larval density and food availability (leaflet surface area), and that expected pupal weights can be determined from the amount of food available to the third-instar larva. Predictions were compared with data from laboratory experiments and field samples with excellent results.