Parasitoids of Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin.) (Diptera: Tephritidae) infesting the fruits of Olea eurapea var. sylvestris Brat. in Sicily

Abstract

Data concerning the parasitism observed in Sicily, during the years 2002 and 2003, on larvae and pupae of Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) (Diptera: Tephritidae) infesting the fruits of Olea europea var. sylvestris Brat. are reported. An average of 7500 and 19800 fruits were examined in the two years, respectively. The parasitoids emerged were: Opius concolor (Szepligeti) (Braconidae); Asecodes erxias (Walker) and Pnigalio agraules (Walk.) (Eulophidae); Eupelmus urozonus Dalm. (Eupelmidae) and Hobbya sp. (Pteramalidae). In the year 2002 the total parasitism registered was 47.30%, while 49.80% on 2003. The highest percentage was due to P. agraules, i.e 37.02% and 43.14%, respectively; it was followed by O. concolor with 10.04% on 2002 and 6.0% about on 2003. Only some adults were accounted of the other parasitoids in the two years.