Comparative demography, population projection, functional response and host age preference behavior of the parasitoid Goniozus legneri on two lepidopterous insect hosts

Abstract Background This study was conducted to investigate life table characteristics of the parasitoid species, Goniozus legneri Gordh (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae), a major gregarious larval ecto-parasitoids carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zeller (Lep.: Pyralidae). Demographic parameters G. reared on two hosts, moth and flour Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), were studied under laboratory conditions using age-stage, two-sex table. Host stage preference functional response this also determined. Results The duration immature period, adult pre-ovipositional period total E. significantly longer than that those , while fecundity ovipositional days wasp greater/longer in females . There significant differences intrinsic finite rates increase mean generation time between hosts. Moreover, population projection indicated can grow swifter when Based experiments determine preferences for both larger larvae more preferred stages compared smaller ones, thereby fulfilling optimal oviposition theory. responses different densities last instar determined as type III at 25 °C 60% RH. Conclusion results offer valuable information some history attributes Although performed better kuehniella, use main host rearing might be laborious process production costs, used an alternative host. Further studies are required greenhouse field effective biocontrol agent against moth.