Simulation Model of Cephalonomia waterstoni (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) Parasitizing the Rusty Grain Beetle (Coleoptera: Cucujidae)

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Abstract
We have developed a simulation model of parasitic grain wasp, Cephalonomia waterstoni (Gahan), parasitizing the rusty grain beetle, Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens). The model predicts host and parasitoid phenology based on grain temperature, using a distributed– delay method to simulate variance in developmental rate. The model accurately predicted both the time and magnitude of peak parasitoid density. Changing the timing of parasitoid release had a greater effect than releasing more parasitoids. Releasing parasitoids at day 20 instead of day 40 reduced the maximum host population by 75%. Parasitoids are most effective when releases are timed so that parasitoids find the 1st–produced 4th–instar. This model should be a valuable tool for developing a biological control program for C. ferrugineus on stored wheat. It can be used to predict the optimum time of release, the number of parasitoids to release, and the effects of other controls such as fall aeration.

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