Reproductive parameters and longevity of Gryon gallardoi (Brethes) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) parasitizing Spartocera dentiventris (Berg) (Hemiptera: Coreidae) eggs

the fecundity, daily progeny and longevity of gryon gallardoi (brethes) (hym.; scelionidae) were determined under laboratory conditions, using spartocera dentiventris (berg) (hem.; coreidae) eggs as host. nineteen g. gallardoi females and 34 males were reared at 25 ± 1 °c, with a 12 h photophase, fed on a 10% aqueous honey solution and provided with 25-30 s. dentiventris eggs daily. the average pre-oviposition period was 1.3 ± 0.35 days, although some females began laying from the day of emergence. on average, oviposition lasted for 10.1 ± 1.74 days, reaching a peak on the second day, with 67.5 ± 11.29 eggs laid. the post-oviposition period was short (2.4 ± 0.48 days). g. gallardoi females lived significantly longer than males: 13.7 ± 1.94 and 10.6 ± 1.78 days, respectively. the overall sex ratio was 0.79. the results reported here on the reproductive capability of the species suggest it may have a good potential as an agent for the control of s. dentiventris.