First Record of <i>Megaselia scalaris</i> (Diptera: Phoridae) as a Parasitoid of <i>Thyas coronata</i> (Lepidoptera: Erebidae)

Abstract

Thyas coronota (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Erebidea) is one of the most significant fruit-piercing moths, particularly on citrus fruits, d as a result of feeding, it causes significant injury. The parasitoid, Megaselia scalaris was observed on the exterior surface of last instar larva of T. coronata. The fly laid egg on the exterior surface of the host larva, the incubation period was three to four days. The fly went through larval instars, each lasting three to four days, then pupated for seven to eight days. Adults liked for five to eight days. This study first time reports the parasitisation of dipteran scavenger fly Megaselia scalaris on the serious fruit piercing moth Thyas coronota from India.