COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY OF Goniozus nephantidis (MUESBECK) ON Galleria mellonella L. AND Corcyra cephalonica (STAINTON)

Abstract

Goniozus nephantidis (Muesbeck) is a gregarious ecto-larval parasitoid of Opisina arenosella (Walk.) having high demand in coconut growing areas. Present study shows biological parameters of G. nephantidis on two laboratory hosts viz., Galleria mellonella L. and Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) cephalonica. The results revealed the incubation period of eggs of G. nephantidis 2.90±0.64 and 2.60±0.68days with 75.39±8.58 and 78.19±9.33 per cent hatching on G. mellonella and C. cephalonica, respectively. Larval period was found significantly (t=2.30*) shorter (2.55±0.60days) on G. mellonella compared to C. cephalonica (3.05±0.76days). Pupal period was 4.95±1.05days (G. mellonella) and 5.20±0.62days (C. cephalonica). Pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods were 5.10±0.91, 14.95±2.31, 3.20±1.24days (G. mellonella) and 4.85±0.75, 16.65±3.08, 3.60±1.14days (C. cephalonica). The sex ratio (M:F) was achieved 1:5.23 (G. mellonella) and 1:5.69 (C. cephalonica). Highly significant difference (t=3.30**) was recorded in adult emergence on both hosts. Significant variations were observed in adult longevity (t=2.12* male and t=2.13* female) and fecundity (t=2.10*) on both hosts. Total life cycle of males remained significantly similar while, it was significantly (2.78*) longer (37.65±3.23days) in C. cephalonica than G. mellonella.