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Laboratory studies on the biology of Syntomosphyrum albiclavus Kerrich (Hym., Eulophidae), a parasite of tsetse flies*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

D. S. Saunders
D. S. Saunders
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Edinburgh.
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Summary

Laboratory studies are reported on Syntomosphyrum albiclavus Kerrich, a Eulophid of interest as a pupal parasite of tsetse flies. Material for a laboratory culture was obtained from puparia of Glossina morsitans Westw. collected in Tanganyika and sent to London by air.

‘ Natural’ and ‘unnatural’ hosts of this parasite were investigated. S. albiclavus parasitised all species of Cyclorrhaphous puparia offered in the laboratory, but has only been recorded from puparia of Glossina under natural conditions. The conditions which make a host suitable for S. albiclavus are discussed. The most important of these is the presence of the ‘sub-puparial space’ in which the eggs are laid, without which the host is unacceptable. S. albiclavus will also breed on dead pupae and in puparia containing other parasites.

The number of parasites emerging from the host puparium is shown to be directly proportional to its weight.

The fecundity of S. albiclavus is shown to be very variable and dependent upon the weight of host material consumed during larval life, which, in turn, reflects the density of parasites in the host puparium from which the females emerged.

The duration of the parasitic phase of the life-cycle and the length of life of the adults are shown to be functions of the temperature. Length of life is also affected by the relative humidity, increased mortality occurring in low humidities and in saturated air, with an optimum for survival at about 80 per cent. R.H.

It is shown that a constant temperature of 35°C. is fatal to the eggs of S. albiclavus.

The age at which females of S. albiclavus become mature was investigated at three temperatures and it is shown that the rate of maturation of the ovaries is a function of the temperature.

At 25°C., females of S. albiclavus are unable to lay eggs until the third day after emergence. The number of offspring produced then falls off with increasing age of the female and very old females, although attacking hosts, are unable to oviposit.

Type
Research Paper
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 52 , Issue 2 , June 1961 , pp. 413 - 429
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1961

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