Reproduction capacity and sex ratio of Bracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera, Braconidae), Parasitoid on Galleria mellonelalla (L.) (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae)

Abstract

Bracon hebetor (Say), which is a gregarious and koinobiont larval parasitiod, was reared on the host Galleria mellonella (L.) (the Greater wax moth), under the laboratory conditions of 30 ± 2°C, 55-60 % relative humidity (r.h.) and 12 (L:D) photoperiod. The hatching of the parasitoid continued for about 3.5 days. The pupal period was completed after the 8th day. The adult males have lived an average for 7.5 days, while the adult females have lived for 20 days. An adult female laid about 80.85 ±05 eggs during its whole life and the sexual ratio was 1 :1.83.