The Life-History in the Field and the Anatomy of fully-grown Larva of Doliphoceras pseudococci Alam, an Endoparasite of Pseudococcus newsteadi Green (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae & Hemiptera: Coccidae).

Abstract

Doliphoceras pseudococci Alam is an endoparasite of Pseudococcus newsteadi Green. The latter is a well known pest of Fagus sylvatica L. Both the host and the parasite has one generation a year with their different stages well adjusted to bring about stable hostparasite relationship. The latter has some significant features which suggest utilization of D. pseudococci in the biological control of P. newsteadi. As many as five larvae are found developing in one host. The larvae gradually get enclosed in separate membranous envelopes which, later on, dry up to form rigid chambers for pupation. The larval anatomy incorporates both the external and internal structures. The presence of distinct similarity in the head capsules of Thomsonisca britanica Alam and Doliphoceras pseudococci Alam suggests probable close relationship of the two genera. The tenth segment possesses a pair of lateral processes. The structure of the head capsule supported by the nature of the respiratory and nervous systems suggests a higher evolutionary status to Encyrtidae over Braconidae.