The Dynamics of a Population of Leptopterna dolabrata (Heteroptera: Miridae) in Relation to its Food Resources

Recent studies on insect herbivores have increasingly shown the effects of food quality on insect populations (e.g. Feeny 1970; Dixon 1966, 1970; Way & Cammell 1970; van Emden 1966). The problems facing herbivores in utilizing plant materials as food have been reviewed by Morowitz (1968) and Southwood (1972). It has been shown (McNeill 1971) that there is a change in the feeding habits of Leptopterna dolabrata (L.) during the later part of its life-cycle, apparently correlated with the maturation of the gonads, a period when nitrogen demand is high. The rOle of food in the population dynamics of this population was therefore further examined. The life-cycle of the insect and a description of the experimental area have already been published (NcMeill 1971). The life-cycle of the nymphal parasite Leiophron pallipes Curtis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) has been studied by Loan (1965), and is shown in Table 1.