The Development of the Immature Stages of Chelonus inanitus123

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Abstract
In Israel, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) is attacked by the parasitoid, Chelonus inanitus (L.), the development of which was studied. C. inanitus has 3 larval instars which were measured and described. In fresh host eggs the parasitoid female lays her eggs in the host egg under the outer shell (chorion) of the egg but outside the host egg cell. Later the 1st instar parasitoid penetrates to the yolk and enters the haemolymph of the embryo before the host hatches. The 3 instars of C. inanitus float on the host haemolymph between the Malpighian tubules. Average times required for development of C. inanitus eggs, larvae, and pupae were determined. Synchronization between the development time of the parasitoid and its hosts was found at various temperatures. Parasitoid-host relationships were examined and are discussed.

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