First host record for <I>Dichrogaster fulvescens seminigra</I> Townes (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae), a Parasitoid of <I>Mallada desjardinsi</I> (Navas) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) Associated with Tea Ecosystem

Abstract

The larva of green lacewing, Mallada desjardinsi (Navas) is an important predator of red spider mite (RSM) Oligonychus coffeae, infesting tea. Mallada desjardinsi is reported as potential biological control agent of O. coffeae, but the report on its parasitoids is scarce. Here we report the parasitism of M. desjardinsi by a species of ichneumon wasp. Mallada desjardinsi is the first host report for Dichrogaster fulvescens seminigra Townes, a sub species of Dichrogaster fulvescens. Five field collected larvae of M. desjardinsi were being found to be parasitized by this parasitoid. Dichrogaster fulvescens emerged after 9.5 days of pupal period.