Microplitis sp. From Australia (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): Development in the Beet Armyworm and Adult Longevity in Relation to Temperature

Abstract

The effects of temperature on development and longevity of a Microplitis sp. from Australia on the beet armyworm, Spodoptera erigua (Hübner) was studied in the laboratory. Time of development ranged from 25 days at 15°C to 6.2 days at 27.5 °C. The parasite developed twice as fast as its beet armyworm host. Average longevities of male and female parasites were not significantly different.