Egg Batches Parasitism of Processionary Moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Lepidoptera, Thaumetopoeidae) from Two Atlas Cedar Ecotypes in Algeria

In the Atlas cedar forests located on northern massifs of Blidean and at eastern extension Saharan Atlas, 79 egg batches processionary moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Denis & Schiffermuller, 1775) were collected during summer period from two sites: Chrea National park (46), Ouled Yagoub forest (33). To assess effect characteristics parasitism, eggs monitored after hatching larvae and/or emergence parasitoids. The average number eggs/batches in site (184 eggs) was significantly higher than population (151). Data analysis showed that means comparisons hatched unhatched between sites significant. case Chrea, mass laid form a cylinder twigs relatively small diameters while for plates larger diameter, thus more exposed to For populations, three active parasitoids identified: Ooencyrtus pityocampae (Mercet, 1921) (Encyrtidae), Baryscapus servadeii (Domenichini,1965) (Eulophidae), Trichogramma embryophagum (Hartig, 1838) (Trichogrammatidae), most dominant. These heterogeneously distributed cedar’s plantation but homogeneously forest. activity distribution egg-laying surface are influenced by branch chosen female.