Community Composition and Structure of Psyllophagous Ladybirds in a Tropical Environment

This study examines the community composition and structure of psyllophagous ladybirds (ladybird species that feed on psyllids) in a tropical environment, focusing on their interactions with psyllids as a primary food resource. The research investigates the effects of landscape composition, climatic conditions, and prey availability on the structure of all ladybird species associated with psyllids and specifically on the presence and abundance of species whose life cycles depend on psyllids. <br><br>
Sampling was conducted on La Réunion Island, focusing on two plant species heavily infested with psyllids: <i>Leucaena leucocephala</i> and <i>Acacia heterophylla</i>. Ladybirds and psyllids were regularly collected over a two-year period using a thermal aspirator, complemented by visual inspection. Sampling took place at eleven sites visited on a monthly basis.