The behaviour and specificity of Monoctonus paludum Marshall (Hym., Braconidae), a parasite of Nasonovia ribis-nigri (Mosley) on lettuce.

Abstract

A survey of the parasites of aphids that occur on lettuce was made in two localities, in the Midlands and northern England, respectively, and a list of these parasites compiled.A study was made of the Braconid parasite, Monoctonus paludum Marshall, in relation to its host, Nasonovia ribis-nigri (Mosley), on lettuce. Techniques for observing the parasite's behaviour towards various species of aphids are described and methods of conducting experiments on breeding success in species other than N. ribis-nigri are given.