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Effects ofBathyplectes curculionis andBathyplectes anurus [Hym.: Ichneumonidae] on the growth and development ofHypera postica [Col.: Curculionidae]

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Abstract

Observations, linear measurements, dissections, and histological preparations were made of parasitized and nonparasitized larvae of the alfalfa weevil,Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), on a daily basis. The observed developmental period lasted from 24 h after oviposition byBathyplectes curculionis (Thomson) orBathyplectes anurus (Thomson) until parasite larvae emerged from their hosts.

Adult and larval parasites significantly altered growth and development ofH. postica larvae.B. curculionis andB. anurus caused 24 and 29% greater premature mortality in young host larvae than that observed in the unparasitized controls. Rate of development for parasitized larvae during the 1st 12 days was essentially the same as for nonparasitized larvae. Nonparasitized larvae reached maximum size in 17–18 days, whereas larvae parasitized byB. curculionis andB. anurus required 14–21 and 19–22 days, respectively. Larvae parasitized byB. curculionis are smaller in overall lengths, widths and head capsule widths than nonparasitized larvae and those parasitized byB. anurus.

Résumé

Des observations, des mesures linéaires, des dissections et préparations histologiques ont été faites, tous les jours, sur des larves du charançon de la luzerne,Hypera postica (Gyllenhal). La période de développement observée a commencé 24 h après l'oviposition parBathyplectes curculionis (Thomson) ouB. anurus (Thomson) et duré jusqu'à ce que les larves parasites soient sorties de leurs hôtes.

Les parasites à l'état adulte et larvaire ont altéré la croissance et le développement des larves deH. postica de façon significativee.B. curculionis etB. anurus ont provoqué chez les larves hôtes un taux de mortalité prématurée de 24 à 29% supérieur à celui observé chez les larves non parasitées. Durant les 12 premiers jours, le taux de développement a été essentiellement le même pour les larves parasitées et non parasitées. Les larves non parasitées ont atteint leur taille maximale entre les 17e et 18e jours, tandis que les larves parasitées parB. curculionis etB. anurus ont nécessité, respectivement, de 14 à 21 jours et de 19 à 22 jours. Les larves parasitées parB. curculionis sont, en longueur et largeur totales ainsi qu'en largeur des capsules céphaliques, plus petites que les larves non parasitées et celles parasitées parB. anurus.

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Author notes

  1. D. P. Bartell

    Present address: Department of Entomology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA

    D. P. Bartell & B. C. Pass

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  1. D. P. Bartell
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  2. B. C. Pass
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This paper is published with the approval of the Director of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station as Journal Article No. 77-7-131.

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Bartell, D.P., Pass, B.C. Effects ofBathyplectes curculionis andBathyplectes anurus [Hym.: Ichneumonidae] on the growth and development ofHypera postica [Col.: Curculionidae] . Entomophaga 23, 281–291 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02373103

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