Biological characters of Euplectrus xanthocephalus Girault (Hym.: Eulophidae) ectoparasite on Spodoptera litura Fabr. larvae

Abstract

Research on biological characters of Euplectrus xanthocephalus ectoparasite on Spodoptera litura Fabr. larvae in Nghe An province shows the following results:

In rearing condition at 25^oC, 67% RH, life cycle of Euplectrus xanthocephalus is 14,95 ± 0,09 days;

E. xanthocephalus is ectoparasite on Spodoptera litura Fabr. larvae from 1 instar to 4 instar larvae, specially the highest parasitic rate concentrate on 2 instar and 3 instar larvae of the host. They do not parasite on other age of Spodoptera litura Fabr. larvae (5 instar and 6 instar larvae);

Eggs were laid on all three thoracic segments and abdominal segments 1-8, with a maximum number of eggs laid on the third thoracic segment to the second abdominal segments;

Most of E. xanthocephalus eggs were laid on back of host, some of them on side and the eggs were not laid on venter of host;

Sex ratio (female: male) is 2: 1.

Key words: Biological characters, ectoparasite, life cycle, suitable instars for parasitizing, Euplectrus xanthocephalus, Spodoptera litura.