SEASONAL ABUNDANCE OF PHYLLOCNISTIS-CITRELLA (LEPIDOPTERA, GRACILLARIIDAE) AND ITS PARASITOIDS IN SOUTH FLORIDA CITRUS

Seasonal abundance and parasitism of the leafminer Phyllocnistis citre lla Stainton were investigated from summer 1993 through spring 1995 on 'Tahiti' limes in Dade County, Florida. P. citrella population densit y increased from spring through fall and declined during winter 1994 a nd 1995. Eight species of parasitoids attacked P. citrella immatures i n commercial and experimental lime orchards. The Eulophid Pnigalio min io (Walker), a primary ectoparasitoid, comprised approximate to 80% of the parasitoids that emerged from parasitized P. citrella. Species an d abundance of adult parasitoids varied considerably between leafminer generations. Overall percentage of parasitism was higher on unsprayed than sprayed trees.