Oviposition behaviour of Meteorus Sp. (Hymenoptera : Braconidae) on Spilarctia obliqua (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)

Abstract

Oviposition behaviour of the braconid parasitoid Meteorus sp. in Spilarctia obliqua (Lepidoptera : Arctiidae) was studied. The parasitoid was highly attracted to the olfactory cue (kairomone) of the solid mandibular portions of the hosts, exhibiting movements of antennae, flying, walking and running, cleaning body parts after completion of oviposition. The treatment with dried mandibular powder also had positive influence on the parasitoid for oviposition. Other treatments using hosts exuviae and faeces in different forms showed negative influence. It could be concluded that the solid and powdered mandibular portions of hosts contained some chemicals which influenced the parasitoid to oviposit more causing higher parasitization.