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Eupelmella vesicularis Retz. (Chalcididae) as a predator of another chalcid, Microplectron fuscipennis Zett

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

K. R. S. Morris
K. R. S. Morris
Affiliation:
Farnham House Laboratory, Imperial Institute of Entomology
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Extract

Eupelmella vesicularis Retz. was found in certain parts of Hungary infesting cocoons of Diprion sertifer Geoff. already parasitized by a primary parasite, Microplectron fuscipennis Zett. It was never found in the absence of this chalcid.

Experiments showed that Eupelmella confined itself almost exclusively to Microplectron as a host, easily detecting the presence of larvae or pupae of this parasite within the cocoons of the saw-fly host, but neglecting eggs.

A single egg is laid per cocoon and the larval Eupelmella eats from 10 to 20 Microplectron larvae or pupae, and finally kills all the remaining living parasites within the cocoon before pupating.

The egg and larva show interesting structural adaptations for this mode of life.

Reproduction is parthenogenetic and no males are known.

Several factors combine to make this insect a dangerous enemy of Microplectron capable of seriously impairing its efficiency. These are: its selective ability, its destructive powers, its rapid rate of increase due to the parthenogenetic habit, and its ability to establish itself and survive on small numbers of the prey, for the same reason.

Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 30 , Issue 1 , January 1938 , pp. 20 - 32
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1938

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References

REFERENCES

Gahan, A. B. (1933). The serphoid and chalcidoid parasites of the Hessian fly. Misc. Pub. U.S. Dept. Agric. No. 174, PP. 52–8. Washington, D.C., December, 1933.Google Scholar
Scheidter, F. (1934). Forstentomologische Beiträge. No. 16. Z. PflKrankh. 44, 369.Google Scholar
Morris, K. R. S. & Cameron, E. (1935). The biology of Microplectron fuscipennis (Chalcid), a parasite of the Pine Saw-fly (Diprion sertifer, Geoff). Bull. ent. Res. 26, pt. 3, p. 411.CrossRefGoogle Scholar