 |
Orius vicinus was first
reported in New Zealand in Otago in the 1990s. It has a
wide variety of prey and belongs to a family of predatory
bugs (Anthocoridae) which includes important predators of
tortricids (leafrollers) overseas. This picture was taken
of an Orius nymph feeding on a leafroller
caterpillar which had entered an apricot. This predator
is abundant in IFP and organic orchards in southern
regions and probably contributes to leafroller control. |