Specific composition, bio‐ecological characteristics and population dynamics of the larch cone fly (Strobilomyia spp.; Dipt., Anthomyiidae) complex in the Da Khinggan and Xiao Khinggan mountains in China

Abstract

Five anthomyiid species of the genus Stvobilomyia attack Larix cones in northeastern China. Large variation in qualitative and quantitative composition of the cone fly complexes occured among locations. Species were separated by their distinct flight periods and egg-layin patterns that are related to the various stages observed in cone develo ment. Po ulation dynamics cfearly res onded to the irregular fluctuations in cone cro size. Generakation ofthe population model used related insects in the French Alps showed t ! a t the cone fly population grew as soon as the current cone abundance exceeded the size of the larval population present the previous year in the same location. Thus, cone damage generally exceeded 80 % of the total crop. U.S. Copyright Clearance Center Code Statement: 0931 -2048/91/1205-0454 $ 02.50/0 Strobilornyu spp. complex in China 455 species, especially the egg-laying periods; 3. annual fluctuations in cone flies populations and damage.