Biology of Pachygonatopus minimus Fenton (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae) a Parasite of the Six-spotted Leafhopper, Macrosteles fascifrons (Stål), in Manitoba

Abstract

AbstractThe six-spotted leafhopper, Macrosteles fascifrons (Stål), is the only known host of Pachygonatopus minimus Fenton; parasitism has reached 37%. The female adult is also a predator of the leafhopper. In the adult stage of the parasite the sexes differ in form, color and habits; the male is winged and the female wingless. The egg is laid in the abdomen of the host. As the larva develops it protrudes through an intersegmental membrane. There are five larval instars. The first four are sedentary and attached to the host; the fifth is an active feeding stage. The larva spins a cocoon within which it pupates. The period from egg to adult is about 28 days. P. minimus does not provide effective control of the leafhopper.