Biological Effects of Parasitism by Epiricania melanoleuca (Fletcher) on Pyrilla perpusilla (Walker)

Biological effects or parasitism by Epiricania melanoleuca (Fletcher) on the nymphal and adult stages of Pyrilla perpusilla (Walker) have been investigated under laboratory conditions. Parasitoid-Infected Injuries caused high mortality (95.9%) In the first Instar nymphs within two days of parasitisation. Appreciable nymphal mortality (70%) also occurred in the parasitised second, third, fourth and fifth Instars In the Iorm of weak nymphs, nymphal-adult Intermediates and weak adults though after a prolonged nymphal duration In the later three stars. Fecundity or the parasitised adults was reduced by 22 per cent but their longevity was enhanced significantly.