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Bionomics of Bracon ?hancocki (Wilkinson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a Larval Parasite of Cydia Ptychora (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Nigeria

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

J. I. Olaifa  and
A. E. Akingbohungbe
J. I. Olaifa
Affiliation:
Department of Plant Science, University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
A. E. Akingbohungbe
Affiliation:
Department of Plant Science, University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
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Abstract

Bracon ?hancocki (Wlkn.) is a larval ectoparasite of Cydia ptychora (Meyr.), a major pest of cowpea at Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Parasitism occurred in the field all the year round, varying from 0 to 65·9% and with the highest incidence from September to February. In the laboratory, the fecundity of the parasite was low, averaging about six eggs per female. The life-cycle was completed in ten days. Mating occurred soon after emergence, and the preoviposition period lasted about 2–3 days. Unmated females rarely laid eggs, and their life-span averaged six days as compared to 14 days for mated females. The female:male ratio was 2:1. The parasite rarely attacked previously paralysed hosts, and the preferred hosts were the older, larger larvae. A description of the egg and larvae is given.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 72 , Issue 4 , December 1982 , pp. 567 - 572
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1982

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