NOTES ON THE BIOLOGY OF TELENOMUS COELODASIDIS (HYMENOPTERA: SCELIONIDAE) AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE SADDLED PROMINENT, HETEROCAMPA GUTTIVITTA (LEPIDOPTERA: NOTODONTIDAE)

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Abstract
A biological study of Telenomus coelodasidis Ashm. revealed a close temporal synchronization between this egg parasitoid and its primary host, Heterocampa guttivitta (Wlkr.). The wasp reproduced parthenogenetically in the laboratory and completed development in unfertilized host eggs. Wasp activity was greatest at relatively low temperatures, and longevity was significantly greater when individuals were provided with food. The second and third stage larvae and the pupa are described, as well as the sequence of visible changes occurring in parasitized host eggs. The egg stage of H. guttivitia should be sampled about 5–7 days after peak oviposition by the host, and eggs held for 4–6 days to obtain an accurate estimate of apparent mortality.