OBSERVATIONS ON OBTUSICLAVA ORYZAE SUBBA RAO (HYM: PTEROMALIDAE) PARASITE OF PACHYDIPLOSIS ORYZAE (WOOD-MASON) MANI (DIPT: CECIDOMYIIDAE)

Abstract

Obtusiclava oryzae Subba Rao an external parasite on the mature larvae and pupae of Pachydiplosis oryzae (Wood-Mason) Mani, was reared and studied in the laboratory. Mating and oviposition behaviours were studied. The parasites laid the eggs singly in the silver shoots having fourth instar larvae or pupae of the host. The eggs hatched in 36-40 ours, te larva! and pupal period lasted for 8-10 and 5-6 days, respectively. There were 6-7 overlapping generations of the parasite. Extent of parasitism was quite moderate during a cours of fìve year's studies.