MORPHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT, AND BEHAVIOR OF THE IMMATURE STAGES OF THE PARASITE BATHYPLECTES ANURUS (HYMENOPTERA: ICHNEUMONIDAE)

Abstract

AbstractObservations, measurements, dissections, and histological preparations were made daily of the eggs and larvae of Bathyplectes anurus (Thomson) while in their host, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Observation of development began 24 h after oviposition and ended when parasite larvae emerged from their hosts.Parasite eggs doubled in length and width during their 3- to 4-day incubation period. Parasite larvae fed on hemolymph initially but later instars preferred the fat body and other tissues. B. anurus has five instars. From 18 to 21 days were required for the larvae to complete development and total development time was 21–25 days at 21 ± 1 °C.