PARASITISM OF GYPSY-MOTH (LEPIDOPTERA, LYMANTRIIDAE) PUPAE ON THE DELMARVA PENINSULA WITH EMPHASIS ON COCCYGOMIMUS-DISPARIS (HYMENOPTERA, ICHNEUMONIDAE)

Collections of gypsy moth pupae were made on the Delmarva Peninsula du ring 1989-1994, for the purpose of recovering the recently introduced pupal parasite Coccygomimus disparis (Viereck). Habitats sampled inclu ded forests and woodlands, residential forest openings, parks or small woodlots within residential areas, and residences in suburban areas. This species was recovered in all regions of the peninsula, but it did not seem to be associated with any particular habitat. Parasitism was usually low, <1%, but averaged 4.5% in 1990. Levels of parasitism by this species did not seem to be affected by host density, habitat, or latitude. Discriminant analysis suggested. that sample size, minimum t emperature the previous December, minimum temperature the previous Feb ruary, June rainfall and site location (upper or lower peninsula) were the most important factors affecting recoveries of this species. Moth emergence was generally high, averaging 54%. Other sources of mortali ty (average percentages) were desiccation (16.6%), disease (11.1%), pa rasitism by other species (3.8%), and unknown causes (9.8%).