The effects of low temperature on the total lipid, total fatty acid and fatty acid composition in female pupae and adults of Pimpla turionellae L. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

Abstract

The effects of low temperature (+4 1/4C) on total lipid, total fatty acid and fatty acid composition of female pupae and adults of Pimpla turionellae L. were investigated. For this purpose, female pupae and adults were exposed to low temperature for 3, 7, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days. It was found that, the resistance of the female pupae and adults to low temperature for 3, 7 and 15 days was high. They could not resist to low temperature of 45 and 60 days. Ratios of viability in 30 days of low temperature exposition were 100 % and 60 % for female pupae and female adults, respectively. Low temperature exposition for a long time caused the weight loss in female pupae and adults, but did not affect the ratio of total lipid. There were no significant differences in the total fatty acid and in total fatty acid percentage with respect to total lipid of female adults, but these ratios were reduced significantly in the female pupae. Fatty acid compositions of female pupae and adults were changed significantly by the time.