Studies on the biological characteristics of Ormyrus orientalis (Ormyridae: Hymenoptera), a major parasite of pigeonpea pod fly Melanagromyza obtusa (Diptera: Agromyzidae)

Pigeonpea pod fly, Melanagromyza obtusa (Diptera: Agromyzidae) is a major pest of Cajanus cajan L. (Leguminosae). Ormyrus orientatis (Ormyridae: Hymenoptera) recorded as a major parasite of the pod fly during the surveys carried out in pigeonpea growing areas in Agra and it's nearly districts during the year 2010, 2011 and 2012. Average developmental period of the parasite ranged from 34.2±1.78 to 9.2±0.44 days at 15 to 40°C. Minimum progeny production was 1.00±0.00 individual at 30°C while it was maximum 4.0±1.41 individuals at 25°C. Minimum longevity of male and female was 1.2±0.44 and 2.8±0.83 days without food respectively at 40°C. Maximum survival of male and female was 41.6±4.72 and 56.2±4.38 days with 50 per cent honey solution respectively at 15°C.