Siscaro, G., Longo, S., & Lizzio, S. 1999 Ruolo degli entomofagi di Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Homoptera, Diaspididae) in agrumeti siciliani. [Role of Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Homoptera, Diaspididae) natural enemies in Sicilian citrus-groves].. Phytophaga. Palermo 9(Suppl.): 41-52.

Notes: The results of observations carried out during 1994-95 in Eastern Sicily citrus-groves on the natural enemies of Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) are reported. In the investigated areas the natural enemies complex included the Hymenoptera parasitoids: Aphytis melinus, A. proclia, Encarsia perniciosi and Comperiella bifasciata and the predators: Chilocorus bipustulatus, Rhyzobius lophantae, Cybocephalus rufifrons (Coleoptera); Lestodiplosis aonidiellae (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and Typhlodromus cryptus (Parasitiformes: Phytoseiidae). A. melinus was the main biotic mortality agent in all the biotopes. This aphelinid reached the higher presence during autumn till the winter end showing parasitization rate variable from 14.1% on twigs to 29.8% on fruits. In highly infested citrus-groves, C. bipustulatus was particularly efficacious. The other natural enemies assume a secondary practical role, however, the recoveries of E. perniciosi, L. aonidiellae and C. bifasciata are of particular interest.