A comparative study of common augmentative biological control agents for managing crapemyrtle bark scale

Crapemyrtle bark scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae) has become a common non-native pest in the urban landscape. Many chemical methods have been implemented for their control. However, few studies have explored the use of augmentative biological control against crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS). The goal of this study was to determine if species commonly used in augmentative biological control readily consume CMBS and could help control their population. Insects investigated include scale destroyer beetle (Lindorus lophanthae), insidious flower bug (Orius insidiosus), several species of predatory mites, and green lacewings (Chrysoperla rufilabris). To determine which predator species consume CMBS, we observed them by recording how many CMBS eggs and crawlers were consumed over a fixed amount of time. The consumption rates were determined by estimating functional response curves. We hope that quantifying rates of CMBS consumption by a variety of predators will increase the use of augmentative biological control against invading CMBS populations.