Effect of alternate host and food on the longevity of Trichogramma sp.

Abstract

The effect of the alternate host Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller, 1879) (Lep.: Pyralidae) on the longevity of Trichogramma sp. (Hym.: Trichogrammatidae) reared from Alabama argillacea (Hübner, 1818) (Lep.: Noctuidae) eggs, was studied. Honey concentration was also evaluated on adult longevity. The eggs parasitism was allowed for five hours, and then stored at 25°C and 70 ± 10% of relative humidity. When they turned into black (parasitism sign) they were individualized. After emergence the insects were fed with pure honey and 10% in water, another group was not fed. The effect of the alternate host was studied with the following diets: no food and no host eggs; no food and host eggs; food and no host eggs and another group with food and host eggs. The observation was done twice a day. A greater longevity was found when the parasitoid had a chance to parasitize and when more concentrated honey was given.