Developmental biology of Meteorus pulchricornis parasitising painted apple moth

Abstract

Following the discovery of painted apple moth (PAM), Teia anartoides, in Auckland in 1999, a long-term management programme was proposed, in case eradication failed. Research was initiated to evaluate the potential impact of natural enemies that were already present in New Zealand. Laboratory bioassays determined the developmental biology of the larval parasitoid Meteorus pulchricornis on PAM at five constant temperatures (13, 18, 21, 25 or 30°C). Total development time (egg to adult) ranged from 64.5 days at 13°C to 16.0 days at 25°C. Meteorus pulchricornis adults provided with agar-honey parasitoid diet survived an average of 6.9 days and laid an average of 21.3 eggs at 21°C. Meteorus pulchricornis parasitised a significantly higher number of second and third instar PAM larvae compared to other larval instars. The potential of M. pulchricornis as a primary regulator of PAM populations in New Zealand is discussed.