Abundance and Spatial Distribution Pattern of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) and Aphids Inhabiting Pomegranate Orchards in Assiut, Egypt.

Green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) has been recorded as an effective generalist predator, especially aphids. A study was carried out to determine the population fluctuations and dispersion of green lacewings and aphids inhabiting pomegranate orchards in Assiut, Northern Upper Egypt, during the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons. A yellow sticky trap was used, and five directions corresponding to the cardinal directions and center were selected. The population density of the green lacewings and aphids recorded three peaks in both growing seasons. Statistically, the correlation coefficient (r) value between the average number of adult green lacewings and aphids was negative and non-significant (r= -0.08834, P= 0.2135) and the coefficient of determination (R 2 ) was 30.97% during 2021 growing season. However, the correlation coefficient (r) was positive and highly significant (r= 0.30901, P= < 0.0001), and the coefficient of determination (R 2 ) was 12.92 % during the 2022 growing season. The correlation coefficient (r) values between the average number of adult green lacewings and ambient weather factors differed in both seasons. In both seasons, the maximum average number of adult green lacewings was in the center. The maximum average number of aphids was in the east during the 2021 season and in the north during the 2022 season. The most preferred direction for green lacewing adults was the east northern side in both seasons. Aphids preferred the east northern side and the northern east side during 2021 and 2022, respectively. In conclusion, determining natural enemy fluctuations and preferred directions are important for the successful Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach.