Abstract
The biology of the eulophid parasitoid Pnigalio minio (Walker) was studied in the laboratory and field in Florida on the gracillarid Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton. P. minio is a polyphagous ectoparasitoid of late instar larvae and prepupae. Oviposition in the field was highest (72.7%) on third instar P. citrella, with the remainder on the prepupa. Percent superparasitism in the field was 6.25 ± 4.35%. Offspring sex ratio from females provided with males was 64.9+3.9% males and 35.1 ±3.9% females. Laboratory studies showed that females provided with males began oviposition 3 to 6 days after emergence and continued ovipositing to 38.2 ± 6.5 days after emergence. Females laid a mean of 234 + 58.9 eggs each, and female longevity reached 46.8 ± 9.2 days at 27 ±1 C, 80-90% RH. Longevity of males was lower, with a mean of 7.3 ± 0.6 days. Host feeding or stinging without oviposition killed 92.3 ± 16.6 P. citrella larvae per female. Unmated females produced only male progeny. Laboratory studies showed that P. minio development was shortest (8.6 ± 0.2 days) at 30 C and increased as temperature decreased (24.9 ± 0.4 days at 18 C). A brief description of the parasitoid egg, larva and pupa is provided.
