Host Plant Species and Parasitism of Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Egg Masses by Ooencyrtus kuvanae (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)

Abstract

Ooencyrtus kuvanae (Howard) parasitism of gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), egg masses (EMs) laid on different host species and substrates was studied in newly infested areas in Virginia. Parasitization rates of gypsy moth EMs by O. kuvanae were highest on red maple and inanimate objects and lowest on oaks. The effect of host plant species on parasitism was independent of the number of eggs per mass and may be due to the effects of bark texture on egg mass geometry and searching behavior of O. kuvanae . Percent parasitization was also inversely related to eggs per mass; the latter is a function of host suitability and gypsy moth population density. O. kuvanae appears to be incapable of maintaining gypsy moth populations at low densities but may be an additional factor mediating against the reproductive success of individuals feeding on nonpreferred host plant species.