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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Miami, Florida » Subtropical Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #248709
Title: Biology, host instar suitability and susceptibility, and interspecific competition of three introduced parasitoids of Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Author
item AMARASEKARE, K - Oregon State University
item MANNION, C - University Of Florida
item Epsky, Nancy

Submitted to: Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting North Central Branch
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/26/2009
Publication Date: 12/17/2009
Citation: Amarasekare, K.G., Mannion, C.M., Epsky, N.D. 2009. Biology, host instar suitability and susceptibility, and interspecific competition of three introduced parasitoids of Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting North Central Branch.

Interpretive Summary: n

Technical Abstract: Biology, host stage suitability and susceptibility, and interspecific competition of three previously introduced parasitoids (Acerophagus papayae, Anagyrus loecki, and Pseudleptomastix mexicana) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) of Paracoccus marginatus were studied in the laboratory. Compared to P. mexicana, A. papayae and A. loecki had shorter developmental times, and all males had shorter developmental times than females. Virgin females produced male - only progeny. All three parasitoids were able to develop in the second instars, third - instar females, and adult-female mealybugs. No progeny emerged from the first instars. Parasitoids selected their host instars for oviposition when they had a choice. Between the second and third - instar hosts, A. papayae and P. mexicana had a higher parasitism in second instars, while A. loecki had higher parasitism in the third - instar mealybugs. Between the third instar and adult female, A. papayae and A. loecki had higher parasitism in the third instars while P. mexicana had similar parasitism levels in both instars. When tested with either one or two of the other parasitoid species, A. papayae was more successful in second instars and A. loecki was more successful in third instars. P. mexicana was less competitive when with A. papayae and A. loecki. A. papayae provided better control of the host, whether presented singly or with the other two parasitoids.