A Study of Ovipositional Behaviour of Anagyrus pseudococci a Parasitoid of Mealybugs

The ovipositiomil behaviour and success of Anagyrus pseudococci (Girault), an encyrtid endoparasitoid of mealybugs, Planococcus citri (Risso) and Pseudococcus affinis (Mask.) were studied in the laboratory. Behavioural sequences during oviposition starting from the searching for the host to the post-oviposition activities were described. Once encountered, the mealybug host was examined and probed by the ovipositor of the parasitoid. Oviposition success was influenced by the defence activity of the host. P. citri was less able to defend itself and was more susceptible to parasitism than P. affinis. Oviposition experience of the parasitoid played an important role in increasing the efficacy of subsequent oviposition.