Predation of the cereal aphid Sitobion avenae by polyphagous predators on the ground

Abstract. 1. Polyphagous predator densities were manipulated in a wheat crop using polythene exclusion barriers. 2. The rates at which aphids fell to the ground and subsequently climbed and returned to the crop canopy were measured. 3. Peak aphid density was highest when polyphagous predator density was lowest. 4. Similar rates of aphid fall‐off were measured in each plot, but aphid climbing rate was highest when predator densities were lowest. 5. It was concluded that ground‐zone predators reduced the rate at which aphids return to the crop canopy.