Cite this Systems Ecology Report as:
Nemecek, T., Fischlin, A., Derron, J. & Roth, O. (1993): Distance and Direction of Trivial Flights of Aphids in a Potato Field. Systems Ecology Report No. 18, Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH, Zurich, Switzerland, 9 pp.
Abstract:
Aphid flight behaviour in a potato field was observed to estimate parameters for virus epidemic models. The flight direction was strongly correlated with the wind direction, because most aphids were flying at heights, where the wind speed exceeded the active flight speed of aphids. Wind directions during periods suitable for aphid flight were different from the main wind directions during the growing season. No correlation between the flight direction and the sun position was found. The frequency distribution of the minimal and probable flight distances was estimated with the aid of a simulation model, based on observations. The probable mean flight distance was 13 m, 48 % of the flight distances were below 5 m. The frequency distribution of the flight distances was approximated by a Weibull distribution.