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Observations of the biotic factors affecting the populations of Epicerura pulverulenta Hampson (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2011

Matthew O. Akanbi
Affiliation:
Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5054, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Abstract

Field and laboratory observations of Epicerura pulverulenta Hampson (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) elucidated the role of biotic factors in the moth's populations. Natural enemies recorded included. Gryon and Telenomus spp (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) which parasitized 33% of eggs studied. Also, about 4% of the larvae were parasitized by the dipterous tachinids Zygobothria atropivora Robineau-Desvoidy, Exorista xanthaspis Wiedeman, Blepharella sp., and P. quadrizonula (Thompson); and the perilampid Perilampus dubius (Walker), all solitary endoparasitoids. The predators included Belanogaster dubius Kohl. (Vespidae), Glypsus erubescens Dist. (Pentatomidae), Camponotus maculatus F. (Formicidae) and a kite (bird). They accounted for 12% of larval mortality. In addition, 27% of the 4346 larvae studied developed mycosis caused by Paecilomyces farinosus (Dickson ex Fries) Browne and Smith. A nematode, Hexamermis sp. was also associated with the larvae killing 1.5% of them. High pupal mortality was observed, but the cause was unknown.

Résumé

L'essaie sur le terrain et au laboratoire d' Epicerura pulverulenta Hampson (Lepidoptera:Notodontidae) à élucide le rôle des elements biotiques du peuplement du papillon nocturne (Lepidoptere). Ses adversaires naturels ont été nomme avec abrages: Grycen et Telenomus spp (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) qui ont parasite 33% des ceufs étudiées. Aussi environ 4% de la larve à été parasite par le diptere tachinaire Zygobothria atropivora Robineau-Desvoidy, Exorista xanthaspis Wiedeman, Blepharella sp., Carcelia (Carcelia) (Thouson), et Perilampus dubius (Walker), tous les endoparasites solitaires. Les predateurs y compris Belanogaster dubius Kohl. (Vespidae), Clypaus erubescens Dist. (Pentatomidae), Camponotus maculatus F. (Formicidae) et un cerfvolant (Oiseau) Chelictinia riocourii (Falconidae) Viellot et Qudart. Ils tenait coupte de 12% de la mortalite de la nymphe. Ajoutez y, 27% de 4346 larvae étudie ont developpe le mycosis occassione par Paceilomycees farinosus (Dickson ex Fries) Broune et Smith. Un nematode, Hexamermis sp. à été aussi associe avec la larve, tuant 1.5 d'eux. La mortalité de la nymphe à été observe maus le motif était inconnu.

Type
Research Articles
Copyright
Copyright © ICIPE 1986

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