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OBSERVATIONS ON MATING AND OVIPOSITION BEHAVIOUR OF PRIOPODA NIGRICOLLIS (HYMENOPTERA: ICHNEUMONIDAE), A PARASITE OF THE BIRCH LEAF-MINER, FENUSA PUSILLA (HYMENOPTERA: TENTHREDINIDAE)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 May 2012

F. W. Quednau
Affiliation:
Laurentian Forest Research Centre, Canadian Forestry Service, Ste. Foy, Que.
H. Guevremont
Affiliation:
Laurentian Forest Research Centre, Canadian Forestry Service, Ste. Foy, Que.

Abstract

The premating period in the parasitoid Priopoda nigricollis (Thos.) is about 2 days, and females are receptive for up to 4 days, after which time the oviducts contain mature eggs. Copulation behaviour in specially built chambers, and oviposition pattern are described. The structure of the ovaries is illustrated. Host feeding by adult P. nigricollis was observed, but it is not a prerequisite for initial egg maturation. Hosts are located by random stabbing with the ovipositor into the mines of Fenusa pusilla (Lep.). Data on the age-specific fecundity of this parasite in laboratory experiments are given. The importance of liberating mated parasite populations is emphasized for successful biological control.

Résumé

La période précopulatoire de Priopoda nigricollis (Thos.) est d’environ 2 jours et les femelles sont susceptibles d’accepter le mâle jusqu’à 4 jours, après ce temps, les oviductes contiennent déjà des oeufs matures. L’accouplement de ce parasite dans des chambres spécialement construites à cet usage et le comportement de ponte sont décrits. La structure des ovaires est illustré. Les adultes ont été observés en train de se nourrir de leur hôte, mais ceci n’est pas indispensable pour amorcer la maturation des oeufs. Le parasite repère son hôte en dardant au hasard son ovipositeur dans les galeries de Fenusa pusilla (Lep.). Des données sur la fécondité en laboratoire sont présentées en fonction de l’âge du parasite. L’importance de libérer les parasites préalablement accouplés est soulignée pour le succès de la lutte biologique.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Entomological Society of Canada 1975

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References

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