OBSERVATIONS ON THE LONGEVITY AND FECUNDITY OF ORGILUS OBSCURATOR (HYMENOPTERA: BRACONIDAE) AND THE EFFECTS OF CERTAIN FOODS ON LONGEVITY

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Abstract
A study was made of the longevity and fecundity of Orgilus obscurator Nees and of the effects on longevity of feeding on various flowers. This parasite is pro-ovigenic, requiring little, if any, energy to develop its eggs, but the oviposition rate of 10 eggs per day requires a longevity of up to 3 weeks to utilize fully the potential of 160–200 eggs. Feeding on several species of flowers permits this longevity. The implications of the presence of these flowering plants within pine plantations for the success of parasites are discussed and the establishment and encouragement of Daucus carota L., Fagopyrum esculentum Moench, Asclepias syriaca L., and Nepeta cataria L. in plantations are recommended within the bounds of local weed control legislation.