INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE ON SURVIVAL AND RATE OF DEVELOPMENT OF PTEROMALUS VENUSTUS (HYMENOPTERA: PTEROMALIDAE), A PARASITE OF THE ALFALFA LEAFCUTTER BEE (HYMENOPTERA: MEGACHILIDAE)

Abstract

AbstractIncidence of parasitism by Pteromalus venustus Walker in populations of the alfalfa leafcutter bee, Megachile rotundata (F.), in western Canada from 1976 to 1983 was found to average ca. 1%. An average of 17.4 parasite adults emerged from each host cocoon and the ratio of males to females was 1:1. Temperature-dependent development and survival at 8 constant temperatures are described. The range of temperatures for greatest survival of the parasite (30–32 °C) coincided with the recommended incubation temperatures for cocoons of the leafcutter bee. Development data fitted a 4-parameter development model. Linear regression of development rate versus temperature provided estimates of base temperature and development time in degree-days for the egg, larval, pupal, and combined stages.