Ecological studies on the parasite complex associated with typhlocybine leafhoppers (Homoptera, Cicadellidae)

Abstract

Abstract. The parasite complex associated with nymphal and adult typhlocybine leafhoppers consists of the following: Dryinidae (Aphelopus species), Pipunculidae (Chalarus species) and Diapriidae (Ismarus dorsiger Curtis), the last being parasitic on species of Aphelopus. The life cycles and temporal distribution patterns of twenty‐nine species of Typhlocybinae are summarized together with the life cycles of British Aphelopus and Chalarus. Closely related primary parasite species differ in their adult emergence times. Species differences in adult emergence times of diapausing Chalarus are correlated with species differences in host relations. Each primary parasite genus contains both monophagous and polyphagous species. Each polyphagous species shows a distinct ‘preference’ for a particular range of hosts. The parasite complexes of different leafhopper communities are compared, and it is concluded that it is the taxonomic composition of the leafhopper communities which is chiefly responsible for the structure and taxonomic composition of their associated parasite complexes. Individual species of both Aphelopus and Chalarus show a degree of sensitivity to the physiology of their hosts, so achieving a high degree of synchrony.