Seasonal Synchrony of the Parasite Perilitus coccinellae1 and its Host Coleomegilla maculata2

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Abstract
Dormancy is significant in determining the seasonal interactions between the thelyotokous braconid parasite Perilitus coccinellae and its coccinellid host, Coleomegilla maculata . The parasite's autumnal diapause is maintained by short daylengths and it ends in 50% of the population by the winter solstice. Low temperatures are not required to terminate diapause. The autumnal-hibernal diapause of the host is maintained by short daylengths. By the end of Mar. the photoperiodic control of diapause ends in 50% of the beetles; subsequently temperature and availability of prey determine when oviposition begins. P. coccinellae parasitizes the overwintering C. maculata population twice: during Sept., before the beetles form overwintering aggregations, and again in spring after the beetles disperse.