Beobachtungen bei einer Massenvermehrung des Eichenerdflohs, Altica quercetorum Foud. (Coleopt., Chrysomelidae) 1992 bis 1995 in Serbien

Abstract

For about 10 years the oak flea beetle, Altica quercetorum Foud. has shown outbreaks at numerous localities in Central and South Serbia. Our observations revealed that the pest preferred mixed stands of sessile and Turkey oaks under nearer preference of the first named oak. Defoliation was caused by the adult insects in early spring, followed by leaf skeletonizing by larvae. In September the adults of the new generation started their secondary feeding. Also a threefold defoliation partly took place during the mass occurrence, in the course of one vegetation period. Outbreaks of this size are new for Serbia. Our researches between 1992 and 1995 deal with the bionomy, gradation and economic importance. The following predators and parasitoids were recorded: Zicrona coerulea L. (Hem., Pentatomidae), Oenopia impustulata L. (Col., Coccinellidae), Microtonus sp. (Hym., Braconidae), Mesochorus palus Schw. (Hym., Ichneumonidae), and Medina luctuosa Meig. (Dipt., Tachinidae).