Seasonal Fluctuation of Flower Flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) and Insect Infestations of Solanaceae Family in Abu Ghraib
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56286/NTU-JAVS.2026.6.3.326-333Keywords:
Syrphinae, Eristalinae, Bemisia tabaci (whitefly), Aphis gossypii (cotton aphid).Abstract
This study was conducted to identify the key species of hoverflies present in eggplant and pepper fields in Abu Ghraib, Baghdad, between 1 June and 15 December 2024. A total of 11 species belonging to 7 genera were recorded; six from the subfamily Syrphinae, namely: (Eupeodes nuba, Eupeodes corollae, Sphaerophoria rueppellii, Sphaerophoria scripta, Episyrphus balteatus, and Ischiodon scutellaris), and five from the subfamily Eristalinae, namely: (Eumerus obliquus, Eristalinus aeneus, Eristalinus megacephalus, Eristalis tenax, and Eristalis arbustorum). Four insect pests infesting Solanaceae plants, such as Bemisia tabaci were also observed. Data were recorded from the beginning of the study in June until end of the season. Urentius hystrcellus data was recorded on eggplant plants from July to September. Empoasca fabae appeared in mid-August, and Aphis gossypii was recorded in mid-November. The findings underscore the ecological importance of predatory hoverflies as effective agents in (IPM) strategies for aphid control on solanaceous crops.
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