PREDACEOUS NEUROPTERANS IN GEORGIA AND KANSAS PECAN TREES

Fourteen species, six genera, and three families of Neuroptera were found in Georgia and Kansas pecan tree canopies. Chrysoperla rufilabris (Burmeister) was the most numerous green lacewing collected in both areas. Chrysoperla carnea Stephens was the second most abundant green lacewing collected. Micromus posticus (Walsh) and Hemerobius humulinus L. were the two most commonly collected brown lacewings in both regions. Green lacewing populations were 6 to 11-fold larger in Kansas than in Georgia. Brown lacewing populations were slightly larger in Georgia than in Kansas. Green lacewing seasonal incidence was similar in both areas, with the late season peak occurring 2 to 3 wks later in Georgia than in Kansas. Brown lacewing seasonal incidence varied considerably between regions and years. Coniopteryx westwoodi Melander was the primary microneuropteran species collected. In Kansas, pesticide applications had significant effect on lacewing populations in some years but not others. Carbaryl applications had greater effect on population levels than phosalone.