Notes on some Dipterous Parasites of Schistocerca and Locusta in the Sudan

Abstract

(1) The life-history of S. destructor was investigated, and it is shown that it is primarily a saprophagous feeder but with distinct potentialities for occasional parasitism.(2) Two species of parasites were bred out of Locusta and Schistocerca from the Red Sea Coast: Blaesoxipha lineata, Fall., and B. filipjevi, Rohd.(3) The percentage of parasitism was high; 39 per cent. of the adults examined in the area in December 1932 either contained parasites, or had been parasitised and recovered.(4) The recovery from parasitism was high; 19 per cent. of the locusts examined had been parasitised and recovered.(5) The life-history of B. lineata and B. filipjevi was investigated in the laboratory; Olsuf'ev's observation that B. lineata is not a very effective parasite was confirmed. A 78 per cent. recovery from parasitism by B. lineata was obtained. Only 38 per cent. of the locusts parasitised reproduced.