Field studies ofCybocephalus nigriceps nigriceps(J. Sahlberg) (Coleoptera: Cybocephalidae) in Israel

Abstract

Cybocephalus nigriceps nigriceps (J. Sahlberg) reproduces in Elat (the Arava region of Israel) during spring and summer. Eggs and larvae are present on date palms during these seasons only, whereas adults occur in the grove throughout the year. The adult population reaches its peak in mid-summer and decreases considerably during spring and autumn. Two main locations in which adults occur during the seasons, were found on date palm trees. Due to the lack of reproduction and activity during autumn and winter, the predator takes almost no part in the biological control of the parlatoria date scale in these seasons.