Biology of Anagrus giraulti (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), an Egg Parasitoid of the Beet Leafhopper, Circulifer tenellus (Homoptera: Cicadellidae)

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Abstract
Anagrus giraulti Crawford is a common egg parasitoid of the beet leafhopper, Circulifer tenellus (Baker), in California. The ovarian egg is stalked, elongated, and 0.16 mm long. Only two instars were isolated in the host egg. Mean developmental time of both sexes was ca. 20, 15, 11, and 9 d at constant temperatures of 20, 24, 28, and 32°C, respectively. Developmental threshold temperature was estimated to be near 9.8°C, requiring 201 degree-days for development to adult emergence. Sex ratio (male/female) averaged 1:1.4 in the laboratory and 1:1.2 in the field. Females emerged from the pupa with their full egg complement, which averaged 45.9 eggs (range, 34—56). Females laid >50% of these eggs in the first 2 d of adulthood. Longevity of adult females maintained in storage vials averaged 11.4 d at 24°C when fed on water plus honey, but only 2.9 d when provided water only. Females exposed to host eggs lived an average of 4.8 d.