Seasonal and Spatial Mortality Patterns of Apanteles melanoscelus1 Due to Predators and Gypsy Moth 2 Hyperparasites

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Abstract
Over a 3-yr period, diapausing larvae within cocoons of Apanteles melanoscelus (Ratzeburg), a gypsy moth ( Lymantria dispar (L.)) larval parasite, were placed in various microhabitats in trees, left for one wk, retrieved, and mortality assessed by examining cocoons for evidence of predation and holding intact cocoons for emergence of hyperparasites. At least 13 species of hyperparasites were recovered in the study, and cocoon predators were prevalent in 2 of the years. Each species of hyperparasite had a particular seasonal trend in abundance. Each also had a particular distribution with respect to location where cocoons were attacked within a tree. Data suggest that visible cocoon predation, which was substantial, was probably caused by vertebrates—possibly birds or small mammals.

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