The biology of Diadegma stellenboschense (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), a parasitoid of potato tuber moth

Abstract

Diadegma stellenboschense (Cameron) is a widely distributed parasitoid in South Africa. It attacks potato tuber moth larvae of all ages in foliage and tubers. It was successfully mass-reared under laboratory conditions and its biology studied. The five larval instars are followed by a prepupal stage; development from egg to adult occupied 18 days at 25i?½C. Successful development from egg to adult in ligatured hosts indicated that the host hormone system plays no part in normal development of this parasitoid. Observations on oviposition and longevity are reported. Indigenous natural hosts of this parasitoid are unknown at this stage but must clearly occur in abundance.