Effect of Temperature on Parasitism and Host-Feeding of <I>Trichogramma turkestanica</I> (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) on <I>Ephestia kuehniella</I> (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Abstract

The egg parasitoid Trichogramma turkestanica Meyer is being evaluated as a biological control agent against the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller, in flour mills. The longevity, parasitism and host-feeding of the parasitoid at four constant temperatures (15-30 degrees C) has been determined in the laboratory. The highest fecundity occurred at intermediate temperatures. The number of host eggs killed by host-feeding per female was highest at the two lower temperatures. A very conservative estimate of host-feeding showed that it accounts for approximately half of the mortality of host eggs at 20 and 25 degrees C and thus could constitute a major mortality factor for the flour moth population.