Observations on Eurytoma Albotibialis Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), A Hyperparasitoid of the Coconut Leaf Eating Caterpillar, Opisina Arenosella Wlk.
Loading...
Date
1985-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Eurytoma albotibialis Ashmead, recorded as a hyperpaiasitoid as well as a primary parasitiod of the coconut leaf eating caterpillar, .Opisina arenosella Wlk., is predominantly a hyperparasitoid parasitising the larval/ pupal stages of several species of primary parasitoids of the pest. Its importance as a secondary parasitoid in minimising the role of Brachymeria spp. has been overlooked so far. The peak activity of E. albotibialis synchronised with that of Brachymeria spp. and O. arenosella during April and May. Consequently, the build up of population of Brachymeria spp. was checked considerably at a time when the pest was likely to multiply rapidly taking advantage of the high temperatures of the summer season and the low levels of population or total absence of certain other species of parasitoids It was observed that during April and May, E. albotibialis suppressed 13.11% and 43.48%, respectively, of Brchymeria spp. populations in the field. Mating behaviour, ovipcsition and development of the hyperparasitod and its population abundance in the field are also discussed. Egg to adult stages of the hyperparasitoid were completed in 13-19 days(egg period 24-28 hours, larval 6-9 days and pupal period 6-9 days). Longevity of adults ranged from 30-105 days and the sex ratio was always female-biased (male : female ratio :16). The life cycle of the secondary parasitoid was almost comparable to that of Brachymeria spp., which constitute the dominant species of pupal parasitoids of the pest.
Description
Keywords
Eurytoma albotibialis, primary and secondary parasitoid, Opisina arenosella
Citation
In: Proceedings, National Seminar on Entomophagous Insects and other Arthropods and their Potential in Biological Control, University of Calicut, Calicut, 9-11 Oct. 1985 p-102-105