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Biocontrol Potential of a Commercially Available Predator Rhyzobius lophanthae Blaisdell (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Against Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae)

  • 0Entomology and Nematology Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC), University of Florida, 2685 State Road 29 North, Immokalee, FL 34142, USA.
Insects +

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November 27, 2025

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November 27, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The small ladybeetle, Rhyzobius lophanthae, effectively consumes Diaphorina citri eggs and nymphs, showing potential for citrus greening disease management. This predator offers a promising biological control agent for Diaphorina citri in Florida orchards.

Area Of Science

  • Entomology
  • Pest Management
  • Biological Control

Background

  • Diaphorina citri is a major citrus pest and vector of Huanglongbing (HLB).
  • Insecticide use has reduced populations of natural ladybeetle predators.
  • Existing predators are often too large to access Diaphorina citri eggs and nymphs in concealed locations.

Purpose Of The Study

  • Evaluate the efficacy of the small ladybeetle Rhyzobius lophanthae as a biological control agent against Diaphorina citri immatures.
  • Assess the predatory capacity and functional response of R. lophanthae on Diaphorina citri.
  • Determine the survival and foraging behavior of R. lophanthae in Florida citrus orchards.

Main Methods

  • Laboratory feeding trials were conducted to quantify consumption of Diaphorina citri eggs and nymphs by adult R. lophanthae.
  • Functional response analysis was used to model beetle predation.
  • Field tests involved confining beetles in sleeve cages on infested citrus trees and open field releases to assess survival and foraging.

Main Results

  • A single R. lophanthae adult consumed an average of 24.9 eggs and 8.7 nymphs per day.
  • The beetle exhibited a Type II functional response with an attack rate of 0.92 h⁻¹ and handling time of 0.08 h.
  • R. lophanthae survived longer and foraged on infested trees in field trials, indicating potential for biological control.

Conclusions

  • Rhyzobius lophanthae demonstrates significant predatory capability against Diaphorina citri immatures.
  • Its small size and effectiveness suggest it can overcome access limitations of larger predators.
  • R. lophanthae shows promise as a viable biological control agent for Diaphorina citri in Integrated Pest Management programs for citrus.

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