ldentification by meconia of four species of egg parasitoids of Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Den. & Schiff.) (Insecta Lepidoptera Thaumetopoeidae)

Abstract

The meconia and remains of four species of chalcidoid egg parasitoids of the mediterranean pine processionary moth, Thaumetapaea pityacampa (Den. & Schiff.) were studied in about 200 egg-batches collected at different places in Spain and Portugal. All parasitoid species could be determined by their meconia inside the egg shell after emergence. In this way, species specific and quantitative recordings can be made throughout year. The meconia of larvae of Baryscapus servadeii (Dom.) (Eulophidae) resemble either single caps, or globules, or globular aggregations depending on the time of parasitism. The larvae of Oaencyrtus pityacampae (Mercet) (Encyrtidae) form yellow flat discs in freshly laid eggs, and dark balls in older eggs.
The larvae of Anastatus bifasciatus (Fonsc.) (Eupelmidae) produce a meconium, resembling corn-grain aggregations and the polyembryonic Trichagramma sp. adults emerge from eggs with a sooted inner shell surface .