BIOLOGY OF ANASTATUS-BIPRORULI (HYM, EUPELMIDAE) A PARASITOID OF BIPRORULUS-BIBAX (HEM, PENTATOMIDAE)

The effect of temperature on the rate of development of Anastatus bipr oruli (Girault) was determined by rearing individuals on eggs of Bipro rulus bibax Breddin under a range of constant temperatures (17.5-40.0- degrees-C). Rate of development changed in a linear fashion from 17.5- 35.0-degrees-C and the lower developmental threshold was estimated to be 12.8-degrees-C. An estimated 331.8 degree days were required for de velopment. Survival of developing parasitoids was optimal (72-90 %) be tween 25-35-degrees-C. Longevity of virgin adults ranged from 12-26 da ys at 22.5-35-degrees-C but was only 3.6 days at 37.5-degrees-C. Mated females produced a mean of 54.6 progeny during an average lifespan of 36.4 days at 30-degrees-C. Progeny were produced only during the firs t 21 days of adulthood but post-reproductive females still attacked an d killed hosts. Female A. biproruli overwintered successfully, and wer e able to parasitise host eggs if direct sunlight was available. A. bi proruli also overwintered as immature stages in host eggs. The biology of A. biproruli is discussed with regard to its importance as a natur al enemy of B. bibax.