External Morphology and Development of Immature Stages of Elachertus Scutellatus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in Florida: The First North American Record

Abstract

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Larval Development ofDiaphorencyrtus aligarhensis(Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), an Endoparasitoid ofDiaphorina citri(Hemiptera: Psyllidae)

“…The larva of the endoparasitic wasp Pimpla turionellae L. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) produces a droplet of anal secretion that directly inhibits the DOPA-tyrosinase reaction, thus blocking melanization and encaspsulation as well as preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi (Fuhrer and Willers 1986). A clear, sticky anal secretion was observed as a means of fastening the freshly ecdysed pupa of Elachertus scutellatus Howard (Hymentoptera: Eulophidae), an ectoparasitoid of Calpodes ethlius Stoll (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae), directly to its leafy substrate (MacDonald and Caveney 2004). In addition, many chalcidoids, including some endoparasitoids, secrete a protective silk cocoon-like structure from the anus of the Þnal instar (Quicke 1997).…”

Unusual Life History Characteristics of <I>Elachertus scutellatus</I> Howard (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a Koinobionic Ectoparasitoid

“…Elachertus scutellatus was reared in an incubator at 25ЊC (77ЊF) and high RH under a L:D 14:10 regimen as outlined in MacDonald and Caveney (2004). Adult wasps were aged using the date of clutch oviposition, separated into mating pairs, and observed daily.…”

“…Elachertus scutellatus Howard is a parasitoid of the leaf-rolling caterpillar of the Brazilian skipper, Calpodes ethlius Stoll (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) (Urlich 1932, Clausen 1978, Boucek 1977, Cock 1985, MacDonald and Caveney 2004. There are no alternate hosts recorded.…”

“…The Brazilian skipper is a serious pest of Canna species (Cannaceae) (Scudder 1889, Young 1982, Reinert et al 1983) and arrowroot, Maranta arundinacea (Marantaceae) (Cock 1985) in tropical and subtropical regions. E. scutellatus was collected in southern Florida in August 1999, the Þrst North American record for this species (MacDonald and Caveney 2004). With the exception of a few studies on the taxonomy and distribution of E. scutellatus (Howard 1897, Ashmead 1900, Urlich 1932, Bennett and Hughes 1959, Boucek 1977, Cock 1985, Boucek 1988, very little is known of its biology.…”