Introduction

The Dark Winged Fungus Gnat, Bradysia impatiens Johannsen, is a significant pest in modern forest nurseries in Mexico, as it causes plant mortality. However, studies on adult monitoring are scarce.

Objectives

Determine the most suitable trap for monitoring B. impatiens, characterize its population levels and identify associated organisms, including its natural enemies.

Materials and methods

The attraction effect of B. impatiens to two types of yellow sticky traps (circular and flag paper trap) and a colorless trap was evaluated. After selecting the best trap, the capture of B. impatiens and associated organisms was compared across four forest nurseries to determine the species' population levels. Capture data were analyzed using generalized linear models with negative binomial regression.

Results and discussion

Flag paper trap was the most efficient for capturing adults. Based on weekly captures, three population levels were subjectively rated: low (<30 adults), medium (30-60 adults), and high (>60 adults). Coenosia attenuata Stein was found as a natural enemy of the pest; however, the capture percentage was low (1.78 %), so the traps do not pose a threat to their populations. Kleidotoma sp., a possible parasitoid of the pest and C. attenuata, was also found.

Conclusions

An integrated pest management plan for B. impatiens is necessary, including flag paper trap and the predator C. attenuata as biological control in nurseries. C. attenuata, a predator of B. impatiens, is recorded for the first time in Tlaxcala.

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