WATER RELATIONSHIPS IN THE ECTOPARASITOID NASONIA-VITRIPENNIS DURING LARVAL DIAPAUSE

Final instar larvae of the ectoparasitoid Nasonia vitripennis overwint er in diapause within the puparium of the host fly. Wasp larvae that a re in diapause have a different set of water relations than larvae tha t are not in diapause. Diapausing larvae contain less water, lose wate r at a lower rate, and have the capacity to absorb water vapour. Water conservation in larvae of N. vitripennis is also enhanced considerabl y by the puparium of its fly host.