Laboratory Propagation of Muscidifurax raptor on Face Fly Pupae1

Abstract

Muscidifurax raptor Girault and Sanders, a pteromalid wasp, was recovered in low numbers from pupae of the face fly, Musca autumnalis De Geer, during 1966 field studies in Virginia. It has been successfully propagated in the laboratory on face fly pupae by mechanically cracking the fly puparia to aid parasite emergence. Parasitization is accomplished by penetration of the ovipositor through the posterior spiracles of the host. Less than 5% of the adult parasites emerge unaided from the host puparia.