Behaviour, Life Cycle, Mass Rearing, Xanthopimpla Sp., Biological Control, Opisina arenosella.
Abstract
A third species of Xanthopimpla (Xanthopimpla sp.), as a pupal parasite of the coconut caterpillar, Opisina arenosella Wlk. was observed in the coastal belt of Quilon district, Kerala. It breeds easily in the laboratory and is a high fecund species capable of producing more female progeny during its long life span. The mating and oviposition behaviour, life cycle and method of mass rearing are described.