Boletín de la AeE

The effects of photoperiod on development time, longevity and progeny of Apanleles militaris (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) were investigated using Mythimna unipuncia (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) as host. Three groups of parasitized host larvae were exposed to 15.5±0.5 °C of temperature, 75+0.5 of R.H. and each group was submitted to a different photoperiod: 8:16, 12:12 and 16:8 (L:D). Signifícant differences were found in the egg-larvae development time, pupaí period and in the total developmental time. The adults longevity was higher and signifícantly different between 8:16 (L:D) and the others photoperiods. Concerning the progeny, the total mean and the mean number of cocoons per host did not differ significantly, however, the mean number of parasitoids that emerged from host larva but failed to spin a cocoon were significantly different between 8:16 and 16:8 (L:D). Length of photophase did not significantly effect parasitoid sex-ratio but the emergence of adult progeny was different between 8 and 16 hours light.