Preimaginal development of the parasitoid Minotetrastichus frontalis (Nees) (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae)

Abstract

The paper presents the first detailed description of preimaginal development of the parasitic wasp Minotetrastichus frontalis, an ectoparasitoid of the larvae and pupae of the lime leaf miner Phyllonorycter issikii, developing on Tilia cordata. Prior to the parasitization of the host, the female wasp induces permanent paralysis and then lays 1–7 eggs, depending on the host stage. The eggs are oval, smooth, and have no attachment structures. The species develops with 4 larval instars. The larval body consists of the head and 13 somatic segments. Papilliform processes facilitating larval movement are present on thoracic segments I–III and abdominal segments V, VII, IX, and XI; similar processes on segments XII and XIII are underdeveloped. The cephalic sensory system consists of 3 pairs of sensory setae situated near the mouth. The tracheal system includes 8 pairs of spiracles on thoracic segments II and III and abdominal segments V–X. The pupa has weakly sclerotized integument and a specific filament used for fixation inside the mine. The entire preimaginal development lasts for 12–14 days.