Checking billy barr’s snow log…
Insects are responsible for providing a wide range of both ecological and economical services. Some of these insects are better known than others, and with this study I hope to highlight some of the services provided by an often-overlooked group. The syrphid flies (Diptera: Syrphidae). There are many gaps in our knowledge of life history and interactions of syrphids with their natural environments. Previous studies have shown variables such as competition, predation risk, host plant/aphid species, and other factors all play into the oviposition of syrphid flies. The aim of this study is to determine if host plant quality plays a role in the oviposition preference of syrphid flies. The host plant of this study (Ligusticum porteri) commonly known as osha will be used along with Aphis asclepiadis colonies. Host plant quality will be evaluated by measurements of flowering stage and chlorophyll content. It is expected that female syrphid flies will select aphid colonies on plants in an earlier flowering stage and with higher chlorophyll content. These plants are expected to persist longest through the growing season, maintaining larger and more successful A. asclepiadis colonies providing adequate time and nutrients, therefore giving syrphid larvae the greatest chance of reaching maturity. Findings from this research point to an answer opposite to what was expected. Syrphid flies spent more time searching for aphid colonies at plants in later stages of phenology. Resource availability at early stage (flowering) plants seem to distract the syrphids from the aphid colonies, and the syrphids show resource prioritization to nectar and pollen over aphid colonies.
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