Host Preference and Development of the Parasitoid Brachymeria intermedia1 in Lymantria dispar , 2Galleria mellonella , 3 and Choristoneura fumiferana4 , 6

Abstract

Aspects of development and host preference of the pupal parasitoid Brachymeria intermedia (Nees) were examined in 3 hosts: the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar L., the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella L., and the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens). At 23°C, the parasitoid developed most rapidly in wax moth, followed by spruce budworm, and gypsy moth. In all hosts, ♀ development required 2 more days than male, and ♀ adults were heavier. The weight of B. intermedia females from spruce budworm was lighter than from the other hosts. Developmental rates and emergence from gypsy moth were optimum at 28°C, with 23° less favorable and 18° approaching the lethal minimum. Emergence was reduced in wax moth pupae aged 0, 1, and 9 days. Parasitoids presented 2 hosts preferred gypsy moth to wax moth or spruce budworm and showed no preference between wax moth and spruce budworm.