Influences of Host Density, Temperature, and Parasite Age on the Reproductive Potential of Bathyplectes Curculionis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), an Endoparasite of the Alfalfa Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Authors

Robert J. Barney, Illinois Natural History Survey and Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station
Daniel P. Bartell, Texas Tech
W. G. Ruesink, Illinois Natural History Survey and Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station

Document Type

Peer-Review Article

Abstract

Alfalfa weevil larvae were exposed to Bathyplectes curculionis (Thomson) to determine the effect of host density, temperature, and parasite age on the reproductive potential of curculionis. Percent parasitism was found to be inversely proportional to host density and most of the parasites distributed their eggs randomly regardless of host density. The number of eggs deposited was largely independent of temperature. Peak egg laying was reached in three days from which point the parasite's capabilities diminished with increasing age. The longevity of ovipositing females was shorter than females that were not exposed to larvae.

Recommended Citation

Barney, Robert J.; Bartell, Daniel P.; and Ruesink, W. G. 1977. "Influences of Host Density, Temperature, and Parasite Age on the Reproductive Potential of Bathyplectes Curculionis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), an Endoparasite of the Alfalfa Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)," The Great Lakes Entomologist, vol 10 (4)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22543/0090-0222.1303
Available at: https://scholar.valpo.edu/tgle/vol10/iss4/4