Capability of <i>Forficula auricularia</i> linnaeus (Dermaptera : Forficulidae) to prey on<i> Aphis craccivora</i> koch (Homoptera : Aphididae) in eastern and Central Africa.

Abstract

Aphis craccivora Koch (Homoptera : Aphididae) is an economic pest of cowpea in eastern Uganda and in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The earwig Forficula auricularia (Dermaptera : Forficulidae) is a predatory species frequently observed on farms in eastern and central Africa. To determine the predation capability of F. auricularia on A. craccivora, laboratory and field cage experiments were set up in Uganda and the DRC during the rainy seasons of 2004 and 2005, with various predator-prey ratios as treatments. In the laboratory, F. auricularia consumed a range of 1.27 to 7.82 A. craccivora per day, while in the field the range was 3.66 to 7.24. Although this earwig did not demonstrate high predation levels, it is contributing to natural control of insect pests and therefore its populations should be encouraged.

Farmers′ perceptions, believes, knowledge and management practices of potato pests in South-Kivu Province, eastern of Democratic Republic of Congo

“…Indiscriminate use of pesticides, often with a total disregard for the instructions given on the label, not only leads to poor pest control but also exposes both farmers and consumers to unnecessary health risks, and damages the environment (Ghislain et al 2003). Pesticide use has been held responsible for causing a range of adverse effects on farm workers, diminishing their pesticides should be avoided as much as possible ( Munyuli et al 2008a, Munyuli et al 2008b). There are already too many pesticides being used in rural landscapes in eastern DRCongo; and it is not good to continue encouraging farmers to use pesticides.…”

Climate, human influence, and the distribution limits of the invasive European earwig, Forficula auricularia, in Australia

“…30 In Australia, F. auricularia is a pest in grains crops, 31,32 although internationally it is more typically considered a beneficial predator in grains systems. [33][34][35][36] Forficula auricularia is generally found in locations with pronounced summer/winter seasonality. Populations can survive cold winters, where total annual rainfall exceeds 500 mm.…”

Lifecycle of the invasive omnivore, Forficula auricularia, in Australian grain growing environments

“…Furthermore, similar to other parts of the world, Australian populations of F. auricularia can be predatory, feeding on aphids, caterpillars, mites and other soft‐bodied arthropods 15–17 . In fact, F. auricularia is a well‐recognized beneficial predator in apple, pear and kiwifruit orchards, 5,18–20 vineyards, 21 and has even been considered beneficial in some grain crops 22–25 …”

“…[15][16][17] In fact, F. auricularia is a well-recognized beneficial predator in apple, pear and kiwifruit orchards, 5,[18][19][20] vineyards, 21 and has even been considered beneficial in some grain crops. [22][23][24][25] To manage invertebrates of agricultural significance it is important to understand their lifecycle. The susceptibility of a species to certain interventions can change substantially at different points in their lifecycle.…”