Studies on the Biology of Apanteles sp. (nr. nepitae Wilkinson)(Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a Gregarious Endoparasitoid of Amata passalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)
Apantetes Sp. (Nr. nepitae), Biology, Amata passalis.
Abstract
Apanteles sp. (nr. nepitae Wilk.) an Indigenous gregarious endoparasitold of Amata passalis (F.) a polyphagous pest completed its life cycle in 16.57 ± 2.35 days with three larval instars. The incubation period of egg was 21.20 ± 3.48 h. The developmental period of larva and pupa lasted on an average of 8.65 ± 2.19 and 6.43 ± 0.85 days, respectively. Female parasltoids were ready for mating immediately after their emergence. Unfertilized females gave rise to only male progeny. Females fed on 50 per cent honey laid on an average of 241.4 eggs. Adult parasitoids fed on raisin or 50 per cent honey lived significantly longer than those fed on water or starved. Sex ratio of tbe parasitold was 1 male:2.29 females.