Abstract
In the present work, laboratory and field strains of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella L. (Lepdoptera: Pyralidae) were reared on two food types (artificial diet for laboratory strain and wax frames for field strain) to study some biological aspects of the developmental stages of braconid wasp, Apanteles galleriae Wilkinson (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) the parasitoid of G. mellonella. Results of total developmental period, percentages of adults’ emergence and longevity of females of the parasitoid are different when reared on two strains of G. mellonella. Total developmental period of the immature stages was shorter on field strain (47.26 days) than that reared on laboratory strain of G. mellonella recording 57.5 days. In contrast, no significant differences were observed between the longevity of adult females reared on the two strains, where the longevity period was 25.33 and 26.3 days in laboratory and field strains, respectively. Also, life cycle of immature stages, longevity of adults and reproductive parameters of the parasitoid A. galleriae were determined. The fecundity of A. galleria decreased when reared on laboratory strain of G. mellonella; it was 140 progeny/females and increased to 177.3 progeny/females when A. galleria was reared on G. mellonella field strain. On the other hand, the sex ratio of the parasitoid and longevity are different between the two strains. Results of the life tables for G. mellonella and the parasitoid, A. galleria strains, showed shortage in generation periods for that reared on the field strain. The present study was conducted to explore the effect of food types on some biological parameters of G. mellonella and its parasitoid, A. galleria. Key words: Parasitoid, greater wax moth, biology, life table, host preference.  
Highlights
The greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a severe pest of field-based honeybee colonies and is stored in combs causing high losses to honey bee colonies in different countries
It has been shown that temperature averages of 29 and 33°C are optimum for development and 29 to 33% relative humidity (RH) appears to be appropriate for survival
A. galleriae parasitoid and its host larvae, G. mellonella live in near-continuous darkness in the beehives or wax comb stores
Summary
The greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a severe pest of field-based honeybee colonies and is stored in combs causing high losses to honey bee colonies in different countries. Wax contains many nutrients, such as pollen and honey bee, and is attacked by G. mellonella The larvae of this insect feed on wax combs stored especially in the dark. Kwadha et al (2017) showed that diet quality affects larva development Abiotic factors such as temperature and relative humidity affect the entire life cycle. The braconid wasp, Apanteles galleriae Wilkinson (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a solitary endoparasitoid and effective parasitoids on the greater and lesser wax moths, G. mellonella and Achroia greissella. A. galleriae parasitoid and its host larvae, G. mellonella live in near-continuous darkness in the beehives or wax comb stores. These species are with no known diapauses in Egypt. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of food types on some biological parameters of G. mellonella and its parasitoid, A. galleria
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