Bioecology of Sympiesis hyblaeae Surekha (Hymenoptera:Eulophidae) a Parasitoid of the Teak Defoliator, Hyblaea puera Cramer (Lepidoptera:Hyblaeidae)

The biology, behaviour and seasonal dynamics of Sympiesis hyblaeae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) an ectoparasitoid of the teak defoliator, Hyblaea puera (Lepidoptera: Hyblaeidae) are discussed. S. hyblaeae prefers to lay eggs on first or second instar teak defoliator larvae. A single egg is deposited on each host larva. Each female lays an average of 5 eggs per day and an average of 15 eggs during its lifespan. The total developmental period is about 10-13 days. A high proportion (94%) of the pupae formed during the months, December to January are observed going through a diapause period ranging from 111-156 days, with an average of 13S days. The peak activity period of S. hyblaeae in the field is during September to December, which does not coincide with the peak incidence period (April-June) of its host (H. puera). The seasonal incidence pattern indicates that S. hyblaeae is not a potential natural biocontrol agent of the teak defoliator.