Biology and behaviour of Trichospilus pupivora (Hymenoptera:Eulophidae) with a note on its field parasitism of Nephantis serinopa (Lepidoptera:Xylorictidae)

Abstract

The pupal parasite, Trichospilus pupivora Ferr. is widly used for the biological control of the coconut caterpillar pest, Nephantis serinopa Meyr. The life history and behaviour of this parasite are studied in some detail. The eggs are tiny, measuring 183-15µ 183+15µ in width. The incubation period is 24 to 30 hours. The larval period extends for 5 to 6 days and the pupal period for 7 to 8 days. Mating takes place before the emergence for the host pupa. In addition to the 30 or more hosts already reported, this insect was also found to parasitis Udaspes folus, Anigraea albomaculata and the prepupae and pupae of vespidae and sphecidae. The number of eggs laid by a single paraasite in one N. serinopa pupa varies from 22 to 162. In larger hosts more eggs are laid.