Soria, S.J., Mello, R.P., & Oliveira, A.M. 2004 [New records on Prolepsis lucifer (Wiedemann, 1928) (Diptera, Asilidae) as a predator of Eurhizococcus brasiliensis (Hempel in Wille, 1922)(Hemiptera, Margarodidae) in field conditions in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.]. Entomologia y Vectores 11(2): 323-331.

Notes: [Original title: Novos registros de Prolepsis lucifer (Wiedemann, 1928) (Diptera, Asilidae) como predador de Eurhizococcus brasiliensis (Hempel in Wille, 1922) (Hemiptera, Margarodidae) em diferentes regioes viticultoras do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.] Several vineyards located in a traditional viticulture region of Caxias do Sul, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were surveyed looking for information regarding the occurrence of Prolepsis lucifer (Diptera, Asilidae) predating Eurhizococcus brasiliensis (Hemiptera, Coccoidea, Margarodidae). Results indicated that P. lucifer was present at rates that varied between 1.2 larvae per plant in Caxias do Sul and 1.4 larvae in Bento Goncalves. The population densities of E. brasiliensis varied between 18 nymphs/plant in Caxias do Sul and 8 nymphs in Bento Goncalves. Furthermore, results of populational fluctuation studies of both insects indicated a coincidence in the period of emergence of adults of both species around the summer solstice of the Southern Hemisphere. Populations of immature stages of both insects, on the other hand, indicated erratic pattern of fluctuation, with peaks going up and down without clear tendency. It was observed, however, that the populations of E. brasiliensis tend to diminish with time, with the proximity of the end of the sampling period in December of 1993. It was interpreted to be a result of a reduction of availability of both hosts (Vitis sp. and Ficus carica) due to the damage by the pest. The verification that P. lucifer was found widely distributed in the populations of E. brasiliensis points out its potential as a biological control agent within a context on integrated pest management (IPM) of insect pests of fruits.