ABSTRACT Background: Atmospheric methane (CH 4) is responsible for approximately 20% of global warming since the preindustrial era. Forests are land ecosystems whose role is crucial for mitigating the greenhouse effect due to their capacity to capture and store C and preserve other processes such as CH 4 oxidation in the soil. On the other hand, in the particular case of afforestation, there are contradictory results about the magnitude of CH 4 uptake variation due to changes in methanotrophic bacteria activity and its relationship with micro-environmental conditions. Results: The average potential CH 4 oxidation rate in the laboratory (MOL) of afforested soil was 186% greater than that of the grassland, which could be marginally attributed to differences in soil physicochemical parameters like bulk density, pH and organic matter. A seasonal pattern in MOL was observed in both land uses, with the highest values at the warm and rainy season. MOL magnitude increased with soil depth up to 10-15 cm, which corresponds with the mineral layer. Conclusion: Pine afforestation would improve the biological soil attributes linked to methane oxidising bacteria compared to the grassland systems.

ABSTRACT Land-use change from herbaceous to woody cover -or vice versa- largely affects water fluxes, which in turn can mobilize existing salts dissolved in the soil, and thereby negatively affect soil and/or water quality and site productivity. Secondary salinization was observed after afforestation at the Northern and Eastern subregions of the Río de la Plata Grassland. Based on this, our objective was to determine the degree of association between the climatic (e.g. water balance), edaphic (e.g. texture, presence of petrocalcic horizons) and biological factors (age of plantation, stand density and stand basal area) with the secondary salinization processes under the particular environmental conditions of the Austral Pampas. The lowest electrical conductivity (EC, µS.cm-1) values were found in sites with sandy-textured soils and negative water balance, regardless of tree canopy cover. When EC differences did occur between land uses of the same site (50% of the sites), in most cases - but not in all of them - the highest EC was measured under tree cover. When salinization was significant, no pattern was observed in the salt distribution along the soil profile. An increase of EC was associated with the oldest-unmanaged plantations, with mean age of 40 years, a period much longer than the productive rotation recommended. Under similar edaphic conditions where salinization was observed (i.e. clayed soils, with naturally high salt level), salinization was not significant in relatively young plantations (<rotation period), demonstrating the key role of forest management to decrease its negative impacts on soils.

Abstract The introduction of fast-growing species afforestation in grassland could induce changes on the water flows with the consequent soil dissolved salts mobilization. The magnitude / direction of these water flows, and therefore, the soil salts accumulation will depend on climatic, hydrogeological and biological factors. To assess this last one, the soil electrical conductivity (EC) was measured in 12 paired plots (afforestation of Eucalyptus spp. and Pinus radiata with different silvicultural treatmens and crops / grassland) distributed on an area in the south center of Buenos Aires province. No significant differences were observed in the soil EC in all plots at 0-20 cm depth. Contrary, significant differences were found at 20-40 cm being the highest values measured in Pinus radiata plantation, whereas the lowest ones in a two year old felled area of the same tree species. On the other hand, managed agriculture/pasture soils with Eucalyptus spp. afforestation showed similar EC values. EC values were positively related to the forest cover, showing that the silvicultural management plays a crucial role in the soil salts accumulation. Beyond the EC differences between land usages, it was concluded that the vegetation changes did not generate an increment in the soil salts that could affect the production of the most conspicuous agricultural and forest crops in the region.

Resumen La introducción de forestaciones con especies de rápido crecimiento donde la vegetación original es la de pastizal puede traer aparejado cambios en los flujos de agua, causando la movilización de las sales disueltas en el suelo. La magnitud/sentido de los flujos hídricos y, por lo tanto, de la acumulación de sales en el suelo dependerá de factores climáticos, hidrogeológicos y biológicos. Para evaluar el efecto biológico, se midió la conductividad eléctrica (CE) del suelo en 12 parcelas apareadas (forestación con Eucalyptus spp. y Pinus radiata con diversos manejos silvícolas vs. agricultura / pastizal) distribuidas en un sitio en el centro sur de la provincia de Buenos Aires. No se observaron diferencias significativas en la CE del suelo entre todas las situaciones a una profundidad de 0-20 cm. Por el contrario, a los 20-40 cm se encontraron diferencias significativas, midiéndose los valores más altos en macizos de Pinusradiata y los más bajos en una tala rasa de dos años de antigüedad de la misma especie. El suelo sometido a agricultura / pastizal y a la forestación con Eucalyptus spp. mostró valores similares de CE. Los valores de CE se relacionaron positivamente con la cobertura forestal, mostrando que el manejo silvícola juega un rol determinante en la acumulación de sales en el suelo. Más allá de las diferencias de CE entre usos del suelo, se concluyó que el cambio de la vegetación no generó un aumento de sales que pueda afectar la producción de los cultivos agrícolas y forestales más conspicuos de la región.

ABSTRACT Stand density management diagrams (SDMD) provide a guide for forest density management taking into account stands attributes such as trees´ diameter or volume. One of the most common species planted in Pampean plains of Argentina is Eucalyptus viminalis for multiple objectives: solid wood use or firewood in local markets, pulp for cellulose industry and to provide services for agriculture and cattle raising (windbreaks or cattle refuge). The objective of this study was to gather the available production information /inventory data and to develop a first SDMD for estimating standing volume, biomass and canopy cover of E. viminalis as a tool for forest managers aiming at different plantation purposes. Data to develop the SDMD were obtained from 161 plots, distributed along a climate and soil gradient. We also generated two predictive equations capable of estimating dominant height from the diameter of the trees as well as canopy cover from stand basal area. As an example of application, the SDMD was used to estimate the wood production of three alternative systems: a) an unmanaged plantation (simulating a common practice in the region), b) a mixed production system such as an agroforestry system, and c) a plantation that maximizes wood biomass or volume production.

ABSTRACT This paper aims to identify the spatial and temporal distribution of net aerial primary production (NAPP) of oats and sorghum in silvopastoral systems (SPS) and in a treeless situation (TLS), in Southern Cordoba, Argentina. The silvopastoral systems are composed of three woody cultures (Pinus elliottii, Eucalyptus viminalis and Quercus robur), and two grass species (Avena sativa and Sorghum sudanense). NAPP of Avena sativa and Sorghum sudanense were lower in the silvopastoral systems than in the treeless situation. However, there were also differences in terms of NAPP according to the tree species, and these differences were related to the intensity of competition between trees and grasses. Pinus elliottii and Quercus robur were less competitive than Eucalyptus viminalis, which might be associated with their morphophysiological differences, their differential growth rate and their differences in terms of phenology. Finally, facilitation effects between trees and grasses were also identified under certain conditions.

There is a concern about the potential excessive water used of forest plantations with fast growing exotic species compared to the native vegetation systems they replace in NW Patagonia. For this reason, several studies have being conducted focused on the productivity, water consumption and water use efficiency of the different systems, in areas with different precipitation levels. The studies were carried out from ecohydrological and ecophysiological approaches. The objective of this paper was to analyze and synthesize the available knowledge about these topics. Both at the individual tree level or at forest with complete cover systems, the exotic species (Pinus ponderosa and Pseudotsuga menziesii) have a higher water consumption than all native individual tree-vegetation systems they replace (grassland- Austrocedrus chilensis forests, and mixed forests with Nothofagus antarctica, Lomatia hirsuta, and other native woody species, respectively). However, in all cases, an increase in water use efficiency was observed in exotic species compared to native species. Our results suggest that differences in productivity and water use are mainly due to a higher resistance to water flow, both in liquid (lower wood conductivity) and vapor (higher stomatal sensitivity to vapor pressure deficit) phases in native species compared to exotic ones. At least in the case of ponderosa pine, water use of plantations may be decreased managing leaf area of the system by means of green pruning and thinning. Moreover, in the native mixed forest water use and water use efficiency are able to be managed through selective extraction of individuals of certain species and sizes. On the other hand, the higher differences in water use between native and exotic systems were observed in the most xeric areas, between native grasslands and high density ponderosa pine plantations. On the other hand, rain interception was higher in native forests than in forests plantations in the xeric area, resulting in similar whole evapotranspiration of both systems, whereas it was slightly higher in the forests plantations than in native systems in the humid area. This highlight the importance of considering the spatial distribution, density and size of plantation patches in those situations in which water surplus has to be used for other purposes. In these situations, it is recommended to install low density plantations. In contrast, due to the high water surplus in the more humid areas (with aptitude for Douglas-fir plantations), the higher water consumption of this exotic species compared to the native systems, would not lead to a negative impact on water resources. Finally, we highlight that, due to the high water use efficiency of exotic species, the wood production costs in terms of water are much lower using these species than native ones.

Existe preocupación por el posible uso excesivo de agua de las forestaciones con especies exóticas de rápido crecimiento en comparación con las especies nativas a las cuales reemplazan en la región NO de la Patagonia. Debido a ello, se han realizado estudios de productividad, consumo y eficiencia en el uso del agua tanto en plantaciones de especies exóticas como en sistemas vegetales naturales en zonas con distintos niveles de déficit hídrico. Esto se llevó a cabo mediante aproximaciones ecohidrológicas y ecofisiológicas. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue analizar y sintetizar el nivel de avance logrado en el conocimiento hasta la fecha. Tanto a nivel de árbol individual como de bosques con cobertura total de dosel arbóreo, las especies exóticas [Pinus ponderosa (pino ponderosa) y Pseudotsuga menziesii (pino oregón)] poseen un mayor consumo de agua que los individuos-sistemas nativos que crecen en sitios similares [pastizal, bosque de ciprés de la cordillera (Austrocedrus chilensis) y bosque mixto de ñire (Nothofagus antarctica) y radal (Lomatia hirsuta), y otras especies leñosas, respectivamente), aunque en todos los casos también se verificó un aumento en la eficiencia en el uso del agua. Los resultados sugieren que las diferencias en productividad y uso de agua se relacionan principalmente con una mayor resistencia hidráulica tanto de flujos en estado líquido (menor conductividad de la madera) como en estado gaseoso (mayor sensibilidad estomática a la demanda atmosférica) en las especies nativas. En el caso de las plantaciones de pino ponderosa, es posible disminuir el consumo de agua mediante el manejo del área foliar (podas y densidad de plantación). A su vez, en el bosque mixto nativo es posible manejar la cantidad y la eficiencia en el uso del agua mediante la extracción selectiva de ciertas especies y tamaños de individuos. Por otro lado, las mayores diferencias en el consumo de agua se observaron entre los pastizales y los bosques densos de pino ponderosa, los que a su vez se ubican en las zonas más secas del área forestable. Por otro lado, la interceptación de lluvias en la zona más árida fue mayor en los bosques nativos que en los implantados, lo cual hizo similar la evapotranspiración total de ambos, aunque es levemente superior en los bosques exóticos en la zona de mayor precipitación anual. Esto pone de manifiesto la importancia de considerar la ubicación, la densidad y el tamaño de los parches forestados en situaciones en las que los recursos hídricos excedentes de las precipitaciones quieran ser aprovechados aguas abajo en otras actividades. En este tipo de situaciones se recomiendan plantaciones con una baja densidad arbórea. Por el contrario, dado los excedentes de agua en la zona más húmeda (de aptitud para el pino oregón), el mayor consumo de la especie exótica no redundaría en un impacto negativo sobre los recursos hídricos. Cabe destacar que dada la mayor eficiencia en el uso del agua de los sistemas exóticos, el costo en agua de la producción de madera de estos bosques es bastante menor al de los sistemas nativos.

The forests and shrublands dominated by ñire (Nothofagus antarctica) represent one of the ecosystems with the highest latitudinal distribution within the Patagonian forests. They constitute most of the ecotone between the Andean forests and the Patagonian steppe. Forests and shrublands of ñire can be monospecific or be codominated by several species forming mixed systems with ñire, radal (Lomatia hirsuta), laura (Schinus patagonicus), and retamo (Diostea juncea). The objective of this publication is to present equations to predict total aboveground biomass (T) and their components: leaves, thin and thick branches, and stem. These estimations were obtained from easily measurable variables such as basal diameter of branches, and the stem, at breast height (DAP) or at stem base (DB) for each species. Also, we present equations to estimate stem volume up to 5 cm of diameter, DAP from DB and height from DAP. Between 6.5 to 14 cm of DAP, very few differences in T were observed among T of the four species. However, both ñire and radal showed trees with higher DAP and also, higher values of T compared to trees of laura and retamo.

Los bosques y matorrales dominados por ñire (Nothofagus antarctica) se encuentran entre los ecosistemas de mayor distribución latitudinal dentro de los bosques andino patagónicos, conformando gran parte del ecotono bosque-estepa. En los matorrales mixtos las principales especies que acompañan al ñire son el radal (Lomatia hirsuta), la laura (Schinus patagonicus) y el retamo (Diostea juncea). El objetivo del trabajo fue el de ajustar una serie de ecuaciones que permitan estimar la biomasa aérea total (T) y la de sus componentes: hojas, ramas finas y gruesas y fuste, para las especies mencionadas. Dichas ecuaciones se obtuvieron para cada especie a partir de variables sencillas: diámetro basal de rama y fuste, diámetro a la altura del pecho (DAP) o en la base (DB). También se obtuvieron ecuaciones para estimar el volumen de fuste maderable hasta 5 cm de diámetro, el DAP a partir de DB, y la altura total a partir del DAP. En el rango de DAP de 6,5 a 14,0 cm no se observaron diferencias notables en T de las distintas especies. Sin embargo, como los individuos de ñire y de radal superaron dichos tamaños de DAP, mostraron mayores T que las restantes dos especies.

Se presenta el modelo semi-empírico Brinzal 1.0, el cual constituye una innovación docente que simula a lo largo de un día la fijación de carbono y su acumulación de biomasa para plantines forestales (brinzales) de cualquier especie. El modelo es una herramienta que permite evaluar cómo las distintas estructuras forestales y prácticas de manejo afectan al microambiente en el que vive el brinzal, y cómo responde éste de acuerdo con sus principales características morfo-fisiológicas. Brinzal 1.0 es, por tanto, un programa concebido con el propósito específico de servir como herramienta para la docencia universitaria en el ámbito forestal y biológico, permitiendo simular a nivel rodal actuaciones silvícolas habituales en la gestión forestal (raleos, podas, cortas de regeneración, control de vegetación acompañante, etc.) posibilitando la comprensión de la ecofisiología del brinzal en distintas condiciones microambientales y su respuesta al tratamiento silvícola. Brinzal 1.0 ha sido desarrollado como una aplicación del programa Stella® y es ejecutable con el programa de libre acceso ISEE Player.

The semi-empirical Brinzal 1.0 model, a teaching innovation simulating carbon fixation and its accumulation in the biomass of forestry plantations of any species is presented. The model is a tool that allows for evaluation of how different forest structures and management practices affect the microenvironment in which saplings live and how they respond according to its main morpho-physiological characteristics. Brinzal 1.0 is, thus, a program conceived with the specific purpose of serving as a tool for college teaching in the forestry and biology fields, permitting to simulate at a stand level current silvicultural actions in forestry management (thinning, pruning, regeneration cuts, control of accompanying vegetation, etc.) and making it possible to understand sapling physiology under different micro-environmental conditions at its response to silvicultural practices. Brinzal 1.0 has been developed as an application of the Stella® program and is executable under the open access program ISEE Player.

Apresenta-se o modelo semi-empírico Brinzal 1.0, o qual constitui uma inovação docente que simula ao longo de um dia a fixação de carbono e sua acumulação de biomassa para plantios florestais (brinzais) de qualquer espécie. O modelo é uma ferramenta que permite avaliar como as distintas estruturas florestais e práticas de manejo afetam ao microambiente em que vive o brinzal, e como responde este de acordo com suas principais características morfofisiológicas. Brinzal 1.0 é, portanto, um programa concebido com o propósito específico de servir como ferramenta para a docência universitária no âmbito florestal e biológico, permitindo simular, na escala de lotes, atuações silvícolas habituais na gestão florestal (raleios, podas, cortas de regeneração, controle de vegetação acompanhante, etc.) possibilitando a compreensão da ecofisiologia do brinzal em distintas condições microambientais e sua resposta ao tratamento silvícola. Brinzal 1.0 tem sido desenvolvido como uma aplicação do programa Stella® e é executável com o programa de livre acesso ISEE Player.

In spite of their wide geographical distribution and use, there are few publications about the silviculture of the forests with Nothofagus antarctica, locally named "ñirantales". The available publications report studies carried out in central to southern Patagonia, where "ñires" form forests of relatively tall trees. The traditional management of the ñire forests has been based in fuelwood production and silvopastoralism. Characterization of the forests of Lomatio-Nothofagetum antarcticae of the central basin of the Foyel River (Río Negro, Patagonia, Argentina) was carried out in order to provide methodological skills useful for the sustainable management of "ñirantales". We developed a typologic key, the silvicultural stand characterization of the different forest types present in the area and we established the local dendrometric equations for N. antarctica, Diostea juncea, Lomatia hirsuta, Schinus patagonicus. The studied forests showed a high variability between stands in close distance. Stem diameter distribution of the different forest types indicate that they are even aged groves in an intermediate development phase. Based on the current development stage of the stands, we suggest that it is possible to apply forestry models based on density regulation and complete canopy cover. Based on our results, we preliminary suggest that the implementation of silvicultural systems based on wood extraction can be seen as an alternative to current silvopastoral systems.

A pesar de la amplia distribución geográfica y uso de los ñirantales, son muy escasos los trabajos descriptivos sobre la silvicultura en estas comunidades forestales, centrándose principalmente en las zonas donde el ñire (Nothofagus antarctica) alcanza un mayor desarrollo arbóreo (centro y sur de la Patagonia). Tradicionalmente, el manejo de los ñirantales se ha basado en la obtención de leña y en la silvopascicultura. Con el objetivo de sentar bases metodológicas para la gestión forestal sostenible de los ñirantales se caracterizaron los bosques de Lomatio-Nothofagetum antarcticae de la cuenca central del río Foyel (Río Negro, Patagonia, Argentina), estableciendo una clave tipológica, así como la caracterización silvícola de los diferentes tipos de masa presentes en la zona y las ecuaciones dendrométricas locales para N. antarctica, Diostea juncea, Lomatia hirsuta y Schinus patagonicus. Los resultados indican que en la zona de estudio existe una marcada variabilidad y heterogeneidad espacial, apareciendo diferencias dasométricas entre rodales en muy corto espacio. Las distribuciones diamétricas de los distintos tipos de ñirantal muestran mayoritariamente formas principales de masa regulares en estado intermedio de desarrollo, abriéndose la posibilidad a considerar la implementación de modelos silvícolas basados en el manejo de la espesura y la ocupación completa del potencial productivo del sitio. Las variables dasométricas indican que -además del actual manejo silvopastoril- la implementación de modelos de gestión sostenible fundamentados en la obtención de biomasa leñosa puede ser una alternativa de manejo.

Austrocedrus chilensis is a conifer from Patagonia adapted to a wide moisture gradient. In xeric environments, its natural or artificial recruitment only occurs under nurse shrubs during normal rainfall years. In spite of its importance in ecological and economical terms, little information is available about the physiology of this species. Previous field measurements in experimental plantation revealed that seedlings without plant cover had lower survival, photo synthetic rates and predawn water potential than those planted under trees. So, the response of stomata to radiation and vapor pressure deficit, and the effect of drought stress on photosynthesis and transpiration of A. chilensis seedlings were studied under controlled conditions. Even when soil water was not limiting, all seedlings showed an early stomatal closure in response to moderate evaporative demand. Photo synthetic parameters and instantaneous water use efficiency suggested that microenvironments with intermediate shade are the best for A. chilensis C0(2) uptake. We suggest that the early stomatal closure could result in damage in leaves or the base of the stem by oveheating, explaining low survival when grown without shade. As a whole, our results may contribute to understanding the need for nurse plants in the establishment of the species

Austrocedrus chilensis es una conifera endémica de la Patagonia adaptada a un amplio gradiente de condiciones de humedad. El reclutamiento en lugares xéricos sólo se produce bajo arbustos nodrizas en años de precipitación regular. A pesar de su importancia ecológica y económica, existe escasa información sobre la fisiología de esta especie. Plantaciones experimentales con esta especie revelaron que las plantas sin cobertura vegetal mostraron menores supervivencias, tasas fotosintéticas y potencial agua que los plantines bajo cobertura. En este trabajo se midió bajo condiciones controladas la respuesta estomática a la radiación y al déficit de presión de vapor, y el efecto de la sequía sobre la fotosíntesis y transpiración de plantines de A. chilensis. Los plantines cerraron sus estomas en respuesta a una demanda evaporativa moderada aun cuando el agua en el suelo no fue limitante. Los parámetros foto sintéticos demostraron que los ambientes semisombreados son los óptimos para plantines de A. chilensis. Se sugiere que el cierre estomático temprano podría implicar daños en las hojas o en la base del tallo por sobrecalentamiento. En conjunto, los datos contribuirían al entendimiento de la necesidad de una planta nodriza en el establecimiento de esta especie

The objective of this paper was to design sequential sampling plans for the spotted alfalfa aphid (Therioaphis trifolii Monell) with fixed precision level, for density estimation and decision making. The study of spatial pattern based on Taylor's Power Law and Iwao's regression, showed different degrees of clumping of T. trifolii populations in alfalfa crops, depending on the developmental stage of aphids. The sequential sampling plan for decision making was calculated using two economic thresholds based on the height of the crop. The sequential sampling models developed by Kuno and by Green, were used to calculate stop lines. Green's model is recommended because Taylor's Power Law's regression yielded higher determination coefficients than Iwao's method.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue construir planes secuenciales de muestreo para el pulgón manchado de la alfalfa, Therioaphis trifolii Monell (Homoptera: Aphididae), con niveles fijos de precisión para estimar su densidad en función de toma de decisiones. El estudio de la disposición espacial basado en la Ley de Potencia de Taylor y regresión de Iwao, indicó que esta especie se distribuye de manera agregada en el cultivo de alfalfa, aunque con diferentes grados de agregación según el estado de desarrollo de los áfidos. Para el cálculo del plan secuencial de muestreo se usaron dos umbrales económicos según la altura del cultivo. Para el cálculo de las líneas críticas se utilizaron los modelos secuenciales de muestreo desarrollados por Kuno y por Green. Se recomienda el modelo de Green debido a que la Ley de Potencia de Taylor mostró los mayores coeficientes de determinación.

Eriopis connexa (Germar) is an important aphidophagous coccinelid, widely distributed in several South American countries. The influence of different feeding and temperature conditions on biological features of the immature and adult stages, were studied. Cohorts of cocinelids larvae were reared on the combinations of four constant temperatures (9, 15, 19 and 27ºC) and six diets based on Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris and Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) aphid species with, respectively, four and two different initial numbers and increasing rates. Tested temperatures above 15ºC did not affect the number of eggs/cluster and their viability. Incubation time varied from 2.5 days and a 92% of hatched eggs at 27ºC, to 13 days with a 71% of viability at 15ºC. At 9ºC, neither oviposition nor births were observed, although development until adult stage could be achieved at four experimental temperatures. The combination of food supply and temperature affected both aphid ingestion and immature developmental times, but not adult sizes. The number of A. pisum and S. graminum consumed varied approximately from 57 to 256 and from 104 to 641, respectively. Developmental times, from larval to adult stage, ranged from ca. 84 days at 9ºC to ca. 12 days at 27ºC. Larger adult sizes were observed at 19ºC. Body weight of adults increased when they were offered greater numbers of aphids. Pronotum widths and femur lengths were slightly influenced by prey species but these dimensions were independent on larvae ingestion of food.

Eriopis connexa (Germar) es un importante coccinélido afidófago distribuido en varios países de Sudamérica. Se estudió el impacto de la temperatura y alimentación sobre parámetros biológicos de sus estados inmaduros e imagos resultantes. Cohortes de larvas del coccinélido fueron criadas en una combinación de cuatro temperaturas constantes (9, 15, 19 y 27ºC) y 6 dietas de áfidos de las especies Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris y Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) con, respectivamente, cuatro y dos cantidades iniciales y tasas de incremento diarios. Las cantidades de huevos/postura y su viabilidad no fueron afectadas por las temperaturas superiores a 15ºC evaluadas. Los tiempos de incubación fueron desde 2,5 días y 92% de eclosión a 27ºC, hasta 13 días con una viabilidad del 71% a 15ºC. A 9ºC no se registraron oviposturas ni nacimientos aunque el desarrollo hasta adulto pudo ser completado en las cuatro temperaturas experimentales. La combinación de oferta de alimento y temperatura afectó tanto la ingesta de áfidos como los tiempos de desarrollo inmaduro, pero no las dimensiones de los adultos. Las cantidades totales de pulgones consumidos oscilaron aproximadamente entre 57 y 256 ninfas de A. pisum y desde 104 a 641 áfidos de la especie S. graminum. Los tiempos para el desarrollo, desde larva hasta adulto, fueron cercanos a 83,7 días a 9ºC hasta 11,8 días a 27ºC. Las mayores dimensiones de imagos se registraron a 19°C. El aumento del número de pulgones ofrecidos causó un incremento del peso corporal del adulto. El ancho del pronoto y la longitud del fémur del adulto fueron levemente influenciados por la especie presa pero sería relativamente independiente de la cantidad ingerida por las larvas.