Abstract
Feeding tests in which various components were omitted individually from a chemically defined diet for adults of the parasitoidExeristes comstockii(Cress.) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) showed that amino acids, salts, and vitamins were needed for maximal egg production and maximum numbers of eggs contained in ovaries. Omission of fatty acids, ribonucleic acid and cholesterol had no effect. Only omission of vitamins lowered egg hatch. Tests showed that the ovaries could recover from vitamin starvation.