Host stage preference and demographic parameters of Leptomastix dactylopii (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) on vine mealybug Planococcus ficus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Abstract Background This study was conducted to investigate host stage preference and demographic parameters of the parasitoid species, Leptomastix dactylopii Howard (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), vine mealybug Planococcus ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), an important pest in vineyards many countries. Results The results revealed that L. not able develop on 1st 2nd nymphal instars P. preferred female mealybugs as 3rd instar. Hind tibia length head capsule width both male parasitoids emerged from mummies parasitized were greater than values Demographic calculated with use development reproduction data obtained life table . intrinsic rate increase determined ( r = 0.1527 d −1 ), finite λ 1.1650 net reproductive R 0 46.0667 offspring), mean generation time T 25.0830 d). Conclusions It concluded develop, especially instar could be used for biological control mealybug.