Life history parameters and biological control potential of Snellenious manilae Ashmed (Hymenoptera: Broconidae), a parasitoid of common cutworm, Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Issue Date

10-2011

Abstract

The sexuality, mode of reproduction, rate of egg maturation, ovipositional patterns, host stage suitability and developmental period of Snellenious manilae, a larval parasitoids of common cutworm, was studied. The of reproduction of the laboratory population of S. manilae does not fit the strict dichotomy (synovigenic versus pro-ovigenic) but follows the Type 2 index wherein initial egg loads are lower and egg deposition increases on the first few days of life before declining rapidly. Highest number of mature ovarian eggs was recorded on day three and then gradually decreased by one each successive day until the wasp died on day six. The ovipositioning female does not discriminate already parasitized larva and the same female may oviposit again in the same larva several times. Duration of oviposition insertion was very short (1-2s), eggs inserted across the cutworm body, with the highest number within the head region. The peak of oviposition activities occurs about the mid morning (10:30 am) and mid afternoon (3:30 pm). A koinobiont parasitoid, S. manilae, oviposited on larvae of three instars but progeny production and parasitism were highest in the first instar. The total developmental period of the parasitoid from egg deposition to pupation was 10.5 ± 0.08 days, pupation to adult emergence was 4.2 ± 0.10 days, while the average adult life was 6.1 ± 0.07 days with honey as food.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

25

Issue

2

Page

201-202

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

SPODOPTERA LITURA; HYMENOPTERA; LEPIDOPTERA; NOCTUIDAE; PARASITOIDS; BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS; LIFE CYCLE

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS