Posters | Boln. Asoc. esp. Ent. 21 (Supl.): 121 | 1997
Factors affecting ovíposition by Melittobia digitata in the laboratory
M. F. Cooperband & S. B. Vinson
ABSTRACT
Melittobia digitata (Hyraenoptera: Eulophidae) attack various species of bees and wasps. Because they possess many favorable traits, they are used as teaching tools for grade school biology classes. We are developing an artificial host for rearing and observing Melittobia in the classroom so it can be used widely as an educational tool. In order to determine what conditions best expedite oviposition, Apis melífera pupae were used as hosts to study egg laying behavior. Pernales preconditioned differently were found to lay varying quantities of eggs. have offspring of different sex ratios, and egg laying commenced sooner for some conditions than others.
