Effect of temperature on life history of Quadrastichus haitiensis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), an endoparasitoid of Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract

Abstract The influence of temperature on life history traits of the egg parasitoid Quadrastichus haitiensis (Gahan) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) was investigated in the laboratory on eggs of the root weevil Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Duration of development from egg to adult decreased from 39.99 ± 0.27 days to 13.57 ± 0.07 days (mean ± SE) as temperature increased from 20 to 33 °C, respectively. No development was observed at 5–15 °C. Fecundity was highest at 25 and 30 °C (70–73 eggs per female) but was reduced at 33 °C (21.5 eggs per female). Oviposition rate was also reduced at 33 °C. Q. haitiensis accepted host eggs from 0 to 7 days old for oviposition but was most prolific when parasitizing 1- to 4-day-old eggs. Very few adult Q. haitiensis emerged from host eggs that were 5–7 days old, however, D. abbreviatus egg mortality was similar for eggs 0–7 days old. A brief description of the parasitoid egg, larva, prepupae, and pupa is provided.