SPATIAL-DISTRIBUTION OF FLYING INSECTS IN AN ORGANIC RYE FIELD AND ANADJACENT HEDGE AND FOREST EDGE

In 1991, the spatial and temporal distribution of flying insects was i nvestigated by yellow water traps in an organic rye field and an adjac ent hedge and forest edge at Obere Lobau, Vienna. The total diversity of insect groups was higher near the adjacent habitats than in the cen tral parts of the field. Likewise, most antagonistic groups (e.g. chal cidoid and proctotrupoid wasps, tachinid flies, sphecid wasps, mirid b ugs) showed higher activity-densities alongside the adjacent habitats than in the open field. The potentially harmful aphids predominated in the marginal areas of the crop. Thysanopterans were caught most abund antly in the central parts of the field.