R. D. Gautam

Suitability of various stages of mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) for development and survival of the solitary endoparasitoid, Aenasius bambawalei (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)

Abstract Aenasius bambawalei has been recently reported as a solitary endoparasitoid of Phenacoccus solenopsis in India. Laboratory experiments were conducted comparing the parasitoids preference for the three developmental stages of mealybug and its effect on parasitism, development, progeny fitness and sex ratio of A. bambawalei. The studies revealed third instar mealybugs as the most preferred stage for development of the parasitoid.

Biology of mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis tinsley on Parthenium

Results revealed that males and females of mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley went through four and three nymphal instars, with total life cycle of 14.06± 1.09 and 15.53± 0.83 days, respectively. Pre-mating, pre-ovipositional, ovipositional and post ovipositional periods were observed to be 2.11 ± 1.26, 7.66 ± 0.70, 10.22 ± 2.68 and 3.77 ± 1.71 days, respectively. The adult longevity was 47.125 ± 7.01 (for unmated females), 3.66 ± 0.81 (for unmated males), 24.66 ± 4.5 (for mated females) and 1.33 ± 0.50 days (for mated males). Reproduction was sexual and ovoviviparous, wherein only mated females laid eggs (167.77 ± 25.57/female). Life span (life cycle duration and adult longevity) was obseverd to be as 61.5 ± 6.95, 18.66 ± 0.82, 38.44 ± 4.95 and 17.13 ± 0.97 days for unmated females, unmated males, mated females and mated males, respectively.