Ground-covers affect the activity density of ground-dwelling predators and their impact on the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata

Abstract Three developmental stages of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), can be found in soil (late third instar larvae, pupae, and teneral adults). These are susceptible to predation by generalist ground-dwelling predators. Our objectives have been investigate association between ground cover management (bare soil, a seeded Festuca arundinacea mulch straw), emergence success C. , activity density most important groups predators (spiders, beetles, ants earwigs). As expected, was lower (FA) straw (M) (10.2%) relative bare (BS) (13.2%). This related higher diversity FA M compared BS. The contribution considered this study reduction highlights key role earwigs and, lesser extent, ants, while abundant group predators, spiders, remains unclear. Ground covers appear as strong sustainable conservation biological control method that should taken into consideration for populations.