Thermal requirements of Fidiobia dominica (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) and Haeckeliania sperata (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), two exotic egg parasitoids of Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Biological Control with Egg Parasitoids other than Trichogramma – the Citrus and Grape Cases

“…F. dominica successfully develops between 9.6 and 30.0 • C, but can endures higher temperatures provided that they do not coincide with critical stages such as pupation. As expected for closely evolved species, such as host-parasitoid assemblages, thermal limits roughly fit within those of the host D. abbreviatus (Jacas et al 2008). …”

“…In a series of laboratory assays, F. dominica sex ratio was male biased at 15 • C whereas it was female-biased at higher temperatures , Jacas et al 2008. Because primary sex ratio (the sex ratio at oviposition) was the same for all temperatures, the observed adult sex ratio indicates a greater mortality experienced by females at 15 • C while immature.…”

Egg Parasitoids in Biological Control and Integrated Pest Management

“…gala) (Wolcott) and Quadrastichus haitiensis Gahan from the Caribbean for control of the citrus weevil Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.) in Florida (Hall et al 2001). The first of these two eulophids is an egg predator rather than an egg parasitoid, and while both have become established in the southern part of the state it is too early to tell whether they will have a significant impact on the abundance of citrus weevil (Castillo et al 2006, Jacas et al 2008) (see also Chapter 13).…”

“…However, one current introduction is that of Fidiobia dominica Evans and Peña from the Caribbean into Florida for control of the citrus weevil D. abbreviatus (Jacas et al 2008). …”

Effect of Host Plants on Successful Parasitism by <I>Haeckeliania sperata</I> (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) on <I>Diaprepes abbreviatus</I> (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Eggs

“…This species was found as a primary parasitoid parasitizing Ͼ50% of egg masses found in citrus groves and citrus nurseries in Dominica . Jacas et al (2008) studied the thermal requirements of H. sperata and found that this parasitoid has a greater thermal plasticity than the parasitoids already established in south Florida, which could increase their chances of establishment in the central portion of the state. Furthermore, H. sperata was collected in areas of high altitude (509 m), which suggests that it could have more cold hardiness than other imported parasitoids.…”