The biology and early stages of Acampsis alternipes (Nees), with comments on the relationships of the Sigalphinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Resource type
Journal article
Creator (person)
Shaw, Mark R
Quicke, D L J
Date published
2000
Abstract
Details of the biology of the braconid subfamily Sigalphinae, based on rearings of Acampsis alternipes (Nees), are provided for the first time. A. alternipes is a solitary, koinobiont larval endoparasitoid of the geometrid moth Alsophila Hà¼bner, though there is an external feeding phase prior to spinning a cocoon and pupation. Two features are of potential phylogenetic significance indicating a close relationship with the subfamily Agathidinae: (1) eggs are deposited in the host's nerve ganglia, and (2) the first-instar larva is polypodiform. A. alternipes completes development in the autumn and overwinters as a fully eclosed adult within its cocoon, enabling it to emerge and search for hosts early in spring. The posterior of the eclosed adult within the cocoon is immersed in a viscous liquid that also surrounds the meconium. Chemical analysis of this liquid revealed that it comprises at least 25% glycerol and a further 25% consists of various fatty acid derivatives. Oviposition and developmental stages are illustrated. The overwintering behaviour of the agathidine braconid Earinus elator (Fabricius) is described and compared.
Journal title
Journal of Natural History
Volume
34
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
ISSN
0022-2933