EFFECT OF DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES ON SOME BIOLOGICAL ... · International Journal of Entomology and Nematology Research Vol.1, No.1, pp.1-12, June 2016 ___Published by European Centre

International Journal of Entomology and Nematology Research

Vol.1, No.1, pp.1-12, June 2016

___Published by European Centre for Research Training and Development UK (www.eajournals.org)

1

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES ON SOME BIOLOGICAL

PARAMETERS OF ANISOPTEROMALUS CALANDRAE, (HOWARD)

(HYMENOPTERA: PTEROMALIDAE) AND POPULATION FLUCTUATION OF

THE PARASITOID AND THEIR INSECT HOSTS OF THE GENUS SITOPHILUS

(COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE)

El-Aw M. A1*, S. I. S. Askar1, A. M. Abd El-Latif2, and M. S. Al-Assaal2

1Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damanhour University, Egypt. 2Plant Protection Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt.

ABSTRACT: Population fluctuation of some different insect species of the genus Sitophilus

(Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and their parasitoid, Anisopteromalus calandrae, (Howard)

(Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) were studied at El-Beheira Governorate (Egypt). The present

results show that during the first year 2013 S. oryzae reached its peak in August where the

average number was 510 adult per kilogram wheat. While S. granarius and S. zeamais

reached its peak at December and September achieved 401 and 300 adults per kilogram

grain, respectively. The parasitoid A. calandrae was active from March to November and

reached its peak in August achieved 112 parasitoid per kilogram. The parasitoid sex ratios of

A. calandrae increased gradually with increasing temperature and reached its peak in

August of the year 2013 recorded 2.3 female to 1male. The duration of immature stages of

the parasitoid A. calandrae decreased with increasing temperature where it was extended

from 26.89 day at 20°C to 11.55 day at 35°C. The parasitoid total numbers also increased

gradually with increasing temperature from 20°C to 30 °C, recorded 67.67 at 30 °C. Then,

the numbers decreased also at 35 °C recorded 62.67. The results illustrated also that there

were significant difference in sex ratio between the temperature of 20 °C and 35 °C. Where,

at 20°C the sex ratio was 2 females:1male. Whilst, at 35 °C the sex ratio was 2.3

females:1male. No significant differences in the sex ratio were observed between the

temperature of 20, 25 °C and 30 °C. From the previous results the temperature of 30 °C was

the most desirable temperature for the activity of the parasitoid.

KEYWORDS: Temperature, Biological Parameter, Anisopteromalus Calandrae, Population,

Parasitoid, Insect Hosts

INTRODUCTION

Cereal grains are the major source of food for humans and most domesticated animals.

Insects are a major cause of post-harvest losses of stored foods and food products the world

over. Stored-product insect infestation can occur beginning at harvest and continuing through

bulk storage (Mansoor-ul-Hasan et al., 2006).

Weevils, Sitophilus granarius (L.), Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.),

are classified as the most important primary pests of stored wheat, whose adults damage

grains, and larvae inhabit and feed inside the grain (Rees, 2004; Beckett et al., 2007) and not

only reduce the grain quality but also produce a considerable amount of grain dust mixed

with frass.

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Vol.1, No.1, pp.1-12, June 2016


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One of the most promising alternatives to pesticides and fumigants for postharvest pest

management is biological control, which should be particularly effective in the closed

environment where grain is stored (Hansen and Steenberg., 2007).

Among natural enemies that could act as biological control agents of the wheat weevils, the

wasp Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). It is a solitary

ectoparasitoid that parasitizes numerous stored-product beetles. Being a polyphagous

parasitoid, it can survive on a variety of internal feeding coleopteran hosts like S. zeamais

(Motschulsky) (Press et al., 1984; Williams and Floyd, 1971; Arbogast and Mullen., 1990),

S. oryzae (Lucas and Riudavets., 2002), S. granarius (Hansen and Steenberg., 2007),

Rhythopertha dominica (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) (Ahmed., 1996 & Menon et al. 2002) and

Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) (Ngamo et al., 2007). Biological control

of insects associated with stored products have been carried out of many authors worldwide.

In this region, the insects are recorded but their respective fluctuation of population of each

one during the year were not yet assessed.

The aim of the research reported herein was is first time to study and knowing the densities

of the insects (Sitophilus spp.) and their natural enemy A. calandrae associated with stored

grain cereals and in the second time to study the relationship between levels of the infestation

and the abundance of the parasitoid A. calandrae during the two years of study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Initial culture:

The rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.), and its parasitoid, A. calandrae, were obtained from

the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Damanhour University, Egypt.

For stock cultures of S. oryzae, many fixed numbers of rice weevils were continuously reared

on whole wheat grains free of insecticidal contamination for several generations in 1000 ml

glass gars. For stock cultures of A. calandrae, 100 adult females of A. calandrae were

introduced into a clear plastic box (15 cm width×30 cm length×6 cm height) containing 250

g of wheat infested with 4th instar rice weevils. All insects were reared at ambient conditions

(30±5 °C and 65±5% RH) and under natural photoperiod.

Population fluctuation of the insects of the genus Sitophilus and their parasitoid, A.

calandrae:

The experiment was carried out in Damanhour City to study the Population fluctuation of the

insects of the genus Sitophilus and their parasitoid, A. calandrae during two successive years,

2013 and 2014. Monthly averages of temperature (˚C) and relative humidity (%) were

obtained from the Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate (CLAC), Egypt. The insects

are recorded but their respective population fluctuation of each one during the year was not

yet assessed in this region. Therefore, several insect samples were collected monthly for two

years. The experiment was conducted on a wide range of products such as wheat, maize and

rice from different localities and stored in varying quantities and different types of storage

facilities such as warehouse, silos, household and farm store. At the beginning of each

month, three samples each one about 1 kg in weight were collected randomly from several

locations. Samples were first analyzed in the laboratory by sieving the grain and examining



Vol.1, No.1, pp.1-12, June 2016


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the insects using visual examinations and a binocular microscope. Samples were examined

twice during the month. Differences in numbers of the parasitoid and the weevils were

counted during the two years and the population fluctuation was recorded. The sex ratio of

the parasitoid was also determined from monthly field samples.

Effect of different temperatures on some biological parameters of the parasitoid A.

calandrae:

In the present study, the effect of different temperatures as abiotic factor on some biological

parameters such as the duration of immature stages, adult longevity, parasitoid total numbers

and the progeny sex ratio was examined. A huge numbers of unsexed adults from the

previous cultures of S. oryzae were added and allowed to mate and oviposit on 180 g of

whole wheat grain (Triticum aestivum L.) with about 14 % Moisture content (MC) in plastic

containers (19 cm width×19 cm length×8 cm height). Then, adult weevils were removed 7 d

later by passing the grains through a coarse sieve. After 25 days, four groups of temperature

were made (20, 25, 30 and 32 °C) by using the incubators (EHRET, Type BK 3108), each

with 70 % R.H and L12:D12 hours photoperiod. Each one consists of 3 replicates and

containing 15 g of infested wheat grain. A plastic cylindrical vials (250 ml) were used as

experimental units. According to Visarathanonth et al. (2010) ten 5-day adult females A.

calandrae uniform sizes from the rearing colony were used in this experiment where the

duration for egg laying is 11 d with the peak 12±5 insects on the 5th day and were introduced

for 24 h into each vial. Then, the females were removed. The vials of each group were

screened continuously and the timing of adult emergence (duration of immature stages), adult

longevity and the parasitoid total numbers were counted. The sex ratio of the parasitoid was

also examined.

Averages were calculated and compared by the One-way ANOVA. If ANOVA shows

significant inequality of the means, they were compared by Duncan multiple range test at 5%

probability level. The SPSS software (Version 10 for windows, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) was

used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Population fluctuation of the insects and their parasitoid A. calandrae during the first

year, 2013.

Data presented in Table (1) show that the three insect species of the genus Sitophilus were

found in all collected samples but their densities during the year of 2013 were different. The

obtained results clearly show that S. oryzae was the most widespread and destructive insect

pest of the genus Sitophilus in the tested region. On the other hand, S. zeamais was the least

widespread insect pest. The results also show that S. oryzae reached its peak in August where

the average numbers were 510 per kilogram. Whilst, S. granarius and S. zeamais reached its

peak at December and September achieved 401 and 300 per kilogram, respectively.

Regarding the parasitoid, A. calandrae was active from March to November and reached its

peak in August achieved 112 parasitoid per kilogram. The relationship between the

temperature and the parasitoid sex-ratio was positive. Where, the parasitoid sex ratios of A.

calandrae increased gradually with increasing temperature and reached its peak in August of



Vol.1, No.1, pp.1-12, June 2016


4

the year 2013 recorded 2.3 female to 1male. The sex ratio ranged between 2:2.3 female per 1

male.

Table 1: Population fluctuation of weevils and the parasitoid (year 1, 2013) at El-Behira

governorate:

Mon

th

Sitophilus spp. (Mean±SE) A. Calandrae

r R P/I S.

oryzae)

S.

granarius

(Mean±S

E)

S.

zeamais

(Mean±

SE)

average

(Mean±S

E)

Number

of female

progeny

(Mean ±

SE)

Number

of male

progeny

(Mean±S

E)

Sex

ratio

(Mean

±SE)

Total

wasps

±SE

Jan 149.00k

±0.006

241.00g±

0.003

30.00l±

0.030

140.00 c

±0.005

0.00d

±0.00

0.00d

±0.00

0.00d

±0.00

0.00d

±0.00

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

Feb 43.00l±0

.019

63.00l±0

.011

32.00k

±0.028

46.00 g

±0.003

0.00d

±0.00

0.00d

±0.00

0.00d

±0.00

0.00d

±0.00

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

Mar 199.00j±

0.004

89.00k±0

.008

41.00j±

0.022

109.67k

±0.008

38.00c±0

.13

18.33c

±0.12

2.07c

±0.03

56.33c

±0.13

0.8

6

0.7

5

0.3

8

Apr 211.00i±

0.004

121.00j±

0.006

82.00i±

0.011

138.00c

±0.0005

39.67c

±0.12

18.67c

±0.12

2.12bc

±0.03

58.33c

±0.12

0.8

5

0.7

6

0.3

7

May 219.00h

±0.004

140.00i±

0.005

102.00g

±0.009

153.67b

±0.0006

46.33c

±0.11

21.67c

±0.10

2.14bc

±0.03

68.00c

±0.11

0.8

7

0.7

4

0.3

9

Jun 320.00f±

0.003

200.00h±

0.003

111.00f

±0.008

210.33a

±0.008

58.67b

±0.08

27.00b

±0.08

2.17b

±0.02

85.67b

±0.08

0.8

6

0.7

4

0.3

2

Jul 490.00b

±0.002

300.00f±

0.002

151.00d

±0.006

313.67h

±0.02

64.33b

±0.08

29.67b

±0.08

2.17b

±0.02

94.00b

±0.08

0.8

5

0.7

3

0.3

2

Aug 510.00a

±0.002

311.00e±

0.002

205.00c

±0.004

342.00d

±0.01

78.33a

±0.06

34.00a

±0.07

2.30a

±0.02

112.33a

±0.06

0.8

7

0.7

5

0.3

3

Sep 481.00c

±0.002

340.00d±

0.002

300.00a

±0.003

373.67d

±0.02

59.67b

±0.08

28.33b

±0.08

2.11bc

±0.03

88.00b

±0.08

0.9

1

0.8

3

0.2

5

Oct 400.00d

±0.002

367.00c±

0.002

269.00b

±0.003

345.33d

±0.03

45.33c

±0.11

21.33c

±0.11

2.13bc

±0.03

66.67c

±0.11

0.9

0

0.8

4

0.1

9

Nov 360.00e

±0.002

390.00b±

0.002

141.00e

±0.006

297.00h

±0.007

40.00c

±0.12

19.33c

±0.12

2.06c

±0.03

59.33c

±0.12

0.9

2

0.8

5

0.1

7

Dec 299.00g

±0.003

401.00a±

0.002

99.00h

±0.009

266.33h

±0.008

0.00d

±0.00

0.00d

±0.00

0.00d

±0.00

0.00d

±0.00

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

aver

age 348.9±0

.009

252.11±

0.005

150.1±

0.002

254.967

±0.004

47.033±

0.001

21.833±

0.001

1.927

±0.00

1

68.866±

0.002

L.S.D

5% 0.82 0.65 0.88 8.38 3.84 0.09 12.14

Note: the symbol [r] refers to Correlation coefficient; [R] refer to Linear Regression and [P/I]

refer to Total number of the parasitoid / Total number of weevils

Values in the same column followed by the same letter did not differ significantly at the 5 %

level (P ≥ 0.05, Waller-Duncan K ratio t test; SAS institute.



Vol.1, No.1, pp.1-12, June 2016


5

Fig. 1. Monthly averages of temperature (˚C) and relative humidity (%) between

January 2013 and December 2013 at Damanhour City. (From "CLAC" Central

Laboratory for Agricultural Climate).

Population fluctuation of the insects and their parasitoid A. calandrae during the second

year, 2014:

The data represented in Table (2) showed that, the three insect species of the genus Sitophilus

were also found in all collected samples and their densities were also different during the

year, 2014. The obtained results are in harmony with that recorded at the previous year,

2013. Where S. oryzae was the most widespread and destructive insect pest of the genus

Sitophilus and S. zeamais was the least widespread insect pest in this region. Our data

showed that S. oryzae reached its peak in September where the average numbers were 486

insect per kilogram. On the other hand, S. granarius and S. zeamais reached its peak at

November and October achieved 421 and 333 insect per kilogram, respectively. Table (2)

also summarized that the parasitoid A. calandrae was active from march to November and

reached its peak in August achieved 121 parasitoid per kilogram. These results supported the

recorded data of the year 2013. In field collected samples as is clear from Table (2) and Fig

(2), there was a positive relationship between the temperature and the parasitoid sex-ratio.

Where, the parasitoid sex ratios of A. calandrae increased gradually with increasing

temperature and reached its peak in August of each year and recorded 2.3 female to 1male.

The sex ratio ranged between 2:2.3 female per 1 male.

Table (2): Population fluctuation of weevils and the parasitoid (year 2, 2014) at El-

Beheira governorate:

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Jan-

13

Feb-

13

Mar

-13

Apr

-13

May

-13

Jun-

13

Jul-1

3

Aug

-13

Sep

-13

Oct-1

3

Nov

-13

Month

Temperature © Relative Humidity (%)

Month

Sitophil

us spp.

(Mean

±SE)

A. C

alandra

e

r R P/I

S.

oryzae

S.

granari

us

(Mean

±SE)

S.

zeama

is

(Mean

±SE)

Avera

ge

(Mean

± SE)

Number

of

female

progeny

(Mean±

SE)

Number

of male

progeny

(Mean±

SE)

Sex

ratio

(Mean

±SE)

wasps

(total

±SE)

Jan 200.00k

± 0.004

199.00h

± 0.012

56.00l

±

0.015

151.67k

±0.006

0.00f±

0.00

0.00e±

0.00

0.00d±0

.00

0.00f ±

0.00

0.

00

0.0

0

0.0

0

Feb 140.00l

± 0.006

80.00l±

0.030

77.00k

±

99.00d

±0.004

0.00f±

0.00

0.00e±

0.00

0.00d±

0.00

0.00f ±

0.00

0.

00

0.0

0

0.0

0



Vol.1, No.1, pp.1-12, June 2016


6

Note: the symbol [r] refers to Correlation coefficient; [R] refer to Linear Regression and [P/I]

refer to Total number of the parasitoid / Total number of weevils

Values in the same column followed by the same letter did not differ significantly at the 5 %

level (P ≥ 0.05, Waller-Duncan K ratio t test; SAS institute.

Fig. 2. Monthly averages of temperature (˚C) and relative humidity (%) between

January 2014 and December 2014 at Damanhour City. (From "CLAC")

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Jan-

14

Feb-1

4

Mar

-14

Apr

-14

May

-14

Jun-

14

Jul-1

4

Aug

-14

Sep

-14

Oct-1

4

Nov-

14

Month

Temperature © 14.7 Relative Humidity (%) 79..3

0.011

Mar 206.00j

± 0.004

110.00k

± 0.022

89.00j

±

0.009

135.00d

±0.008

34.67e±

0.11

16.67d±

0.13

2.08bc±

0.04

51.33e±

0.11

0.

98

0.9

7

0.3

8

Apr 237.00i

± 0.004

133.00j

± 0.018

106.00i±

0.008

158.67k

±0.009

39.67de±

0.10

19.33d±

0.11

2.05c±

0.04

59.00de±

0 .10

0.

97

0.9

8

0.3

7

May 239.00h

± 0.004

138.00i

± 0.017

119.00h±

0.007

165.33k

±0.008

43.33d±

0.09

20.33d±

0.10

2.13bc±

0.04

63.67d±

0.09

0.

99

0.9

6

0.3

9

Jun 299.00g

± 0.003

221.00g

± 0.011

230.00e±

0.004

250.00f

±0.006

53.33c±

0.07

26.00c±

0.08

2.05c±

0.04

79.33c±

0.07

0.

99

0.9

9

0.3

2

Jul 395.00e

± 0.002

253.00e

± 0.010

252.00d±

0.003

300.00b

±0.009

66.00b±

0.06

30.00b±

0.07

2.21ab±

0.04

96.00b±

0.06

0.

97

0.9

8

0.3

2

Aug 479.00b

± 0.002

329.00d

± 0.007

289.00c±

0.003

365.67b ±0.02

85.00a±

0.05

36.67a±

0.06

2.33a±

0.04

121.67a±

0 .05

0.

98

0.9

7

0.3

3

Sep 486.00a

± 0.002

360.00c

± 0.007

300.00b±

0.003

382.00b ±0.04

64.67b±

0.06

30.00b±

0.07

2.16bc±

0.04

94.67b±

0.06

0.

45

0.2

0

0.2

5

Oct 470.00c

± 0.002

400.00b

± 0.006

333.00a±

0.003

401.00b ±0.07

50.33c±

0.08

24.33c±

0.09

2.08bc±

0.04

74.67c±

0.08

0.

46

0.1

9

0.1

9

Nov 461.00d

± 0.002

421.00a

± 0.006

200.00f±

0.004

360.67b ±0.06

40.67de±

0.09

19.67d±

0.11

2.07b±

0.04

60.33de±

0.09

0.

44

0.2

1

0.1

7

Dec 320.00f

± 0.003

239.00f

± 0.010

143.00g±

0.006

234.00f

±0.02

0.00f±

0.00

0.00e±

0.00

0.00d±

0.00

0.00f±

0.00

0.

00

0.0

0

0.0

0

average 345.88±

0.004

260.4±

0.002

206.1±

0.004

275.234

±0.005

47.767±

0.001

22.63±0.

001

1.916±

0.001

70.067±0

.01

L.S.D5

% 0.83 2.35 0.82 6.52 3.55 0.15 9.65



Vol.1, No.1, pp.1-12, June 2016


7

Effect of different temperatures on some biological parameters of the parasitoid

calandrae:

As shown in Table (3) the duration of immature stages of A. calandrae decreased with

increasing temperature where it was extended from 26.89 day at 20°C to 11.55 day at 35°C.

On the other hand, the parasitoid total numbers also increased gradually with increasing

temperature from 20°C to 30 °C, recorded 67.67 at 30 °C. Then, the numbers decreased also

at 35 °C recorded 62.67. Our results illustrated also that the temperature affect sex ratio. A

significant difference was observed in sex ratio between the temperature of 20 °C and 35 °C.

Where, at 20°C the sex ratio was 2 females:1male. Whilst, at 35 °C the sex ratio was 2.3

females:1male. There was no significant observed between the temperature of 20, 25 °C and

30 °C. From the previous results the temperature of 30 °C was the most desirable

temperature for the activity of the parasitoid.

Table (3): Effects of different temperatures on lifespan, adult longevity, parasitism

success and progeny sex ratio of the parasitoid A. calandrae, at constant relative

humidity (70% RH).

Temp.

(˚C) lifespan

Adult Longevity (d). Total

numbers

of

Emerged

parasitoids

Progeny

Sex

Ratio

50% honey-water starved

Female Male Female Male

20 26.89a

± 0.02 37.14a±2.12 27.67a±3.4 2.5a±0.2 1.9a±0.2 46.67a± 0.2

2.00a±

0.2

25 15.79b±

0.04 19.35b±3.3 15.12b±2.64 2.1b±0.2 1.6b±0.2 54.33b± 0.2

2.17a±

0.06

30 12.45c±

0.1 14.22c±2.44 11.29c±1.11 1.7c±0.2 1.3c±0.2 67.67c± 0.4

2.23ab±

0.12

35 11.55d±

0.2 10.45d±1.33 8.19d±1.22 1.4d±0.2 1.1d±0.2 62.67d± 0.2

2.30b±

0.2

LSD (0.05) 0.1 0.65 0.39 0.19 0.19 0.10 0.17

Correlation - 0.90 - 0.92 - 0.94 - 0.98 - 0.96 0.86 0.84

Means within each column followed by the same letter are not significantly different; LSD

test at 0.05.

DISCUSSION

Tables (1 and 2) showed that the weevils of the genus Sitophilus were found during the two

years on all collected samples. The results revealed that the most important insect species

infesting the stored crops at Damanhour City were Sitophilus oryzae (L.), Sitophilus

granarius (L.) and Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.), respectively. In a Survey conducted by El-

Sayed et al. (2008) of stored grain insects infesting stored crops in the middle delta of Egypt.

They found that a relatively higher number of S. oryzae was observed during January and

February at Kafr EI-Sheikh, Dakahlia, Gharbeya and Menoufeya on wheat and maximum

number at Kafer EI-Sheikh and Dakahlia in November and December on maize. As shown

Sitophilus oryzae (L.) reached its peak in August 2013 and September 2014. Where, the



Vol.1, No.1, pp.1-12, June 2016


8

temperature ranged between 25-28 ˚C while the relative humidity ranged between 65-73 %

RH. So, our data were close to the data published by Singh et al. (1974) who showed that the

optimal conditions for development of S. oryzae are 30 ˚C and 75% RH. Development stops

if the temperature falls below 17 ˚C (Anon. 2009). In the case of Sitophilus granarius (L.),

the infestation can begin at temperatures as low as 15 ˚C (Anon., 2008). Our obtained data

revealed that S. granarius reached its peak in December 2013 and November 2014. Where,

the temperature began to decrease and ranged between 15-20 ˚C while the relative humidity

began to increase and ranged between 65-75 % RH. On the other hand Sitophilus zeamais

(Motsch.) reached its peak in October 2013 and October 2014. Where, the temperature

ranged between 22-24 ˚C and the relative humidity ranged between 63-67 % RH. (Throne

1994) revealed that the lower limit for development from egg to adult weevils of S. zeamais

was 15.6 ˚C and the upper limit was 32.5 ˚C at 75% RH.

Regarding the pteromalid parasitoid, our results indicated that the parasitoid Anisopteromalus

calandrae was also found during the two years except the three months of December,

January and February of each year. A nearly study conducted by (Ahmed, 1996) and revealed

that the parasitoid, A. calandrae was active in the field from February to November, but

reached its peak in July in Saudi Arabia. Disappearance of the parasitoid in December,

November and February may indicate that it avoids adverse conditions by passing these

months as a diapausing egg similar to bethylid species (Ahmed, 1989). Our results as

mentioned before revealed that, the parasitoid was active from Mars to November and

reached its peak in August of each year under Egyptian conditions. Differences in the peak of

the parasitoid between Egypt and Saudi Arabia due to hot conditions in July in Saudi Arabia

compared with Egypt conditions. In addition to that, numbers of the parasitoid increased with

increasing numbers of coleopteran species and with increasing temperature. So, our results

in agreement with that recorded by Menon et al., 2002 who found that the instantaneous

search rate of the parasitoid A. calandrae increased as temperature increased and increasing

with host density. Data summarize that, the parasitoid has the ability to synchronize its life

cycle to each of these hosts and that it becomes abundant during their availability. It seems

that a positive correlation existed between activity and atmospheric conditions which in turn

were related to abundance of the host (Rostom et al., 1990). As demonstrated in field

collected samples, the sex ratio of A. calandrae was affected by temperature. Where, the sex

ratio increased gradually with increasing temperature and reached its peak in August of each

year recorded 2.3 female to 1male. These results differ from those of Ghani and Sweetman

(1955), who mentioned that temperature and moisture did not seem to have any effect on the

proportion of sexes. Our obtained data also showed that the sex ratio of the parasitoid ranged

between 2-2.3 females per 1 male. Thereby, our data were close to those recorded by Ahmed

(1996) who found that, in field collected samples of parasitized host stages the sex ratio of A.

calandrae was 2.1 females to 1 male.

From data in Table (3) it could be easily noticed that, the variations in temperature at 70%

R.H. shorted both the durations of immature stages and adult longevity. The duration of

immature stages of A. calandrae decreased with increasing temperature where it was ranged

from 26.89 days at 20 ˚C to 11.55 days at 35˚C. Generally, at all temperatures, fed/starved

adult longevity of males was less than that of females. For example, at 20 °C, Adults fed

honey living up to 39.26 and 31.07 days for females and males, respectively. On the other

hand, starved adults living up to 2.7 and 2.1 days for females and males. As shown also,

Total numbers of Emerged parasitoids increased gradually with increasing temperature.

Where, the progeny production of A. calandrae was extremely low at lower temperature than



Vol.1, No.1, pp.1-12, June 2016


9

at higher one and peak progeny production was achieved in optimum temperature of 30 °C

recorded 67.67 number/vial. Data illustrated also that the temperature affect sex ratio. At

35°C the sex ratio was 2.3 females: 1male. Non-significant difference was observed in sex

ratio between the temperatures of 20, 25 and 30 °C. It ranged between 2-2.23 females to 1

male. In addition to that no significant differences were observed also between the two

temperatures of 30 and 35 °C. From the previous results the temperature of 30 °C was the

most desirable temperature for the activity of the parasitoid A. calandrae.

Studies on the effects of constant temperatures on the development of different

hymenopteran parasites were carried out by several workers (Wallace and Sullivan 1963,

Sullivan 1965, Pilon et al. 1964, Heron 1967, and Philogene and Benjamin 1971). There is an

optimum temperature range for every insect species outside of which survival is severely

reduced (Jackson, 1966; Krishnamoorthy, 1989). The use of variable temperatures has

resulted in contradictory results. It is evident from data presented in Table ( 3 ) that the

duration of immature stages of A. calandrae decreased with increase of temperature. Where,

it was lasted 26.89, 15.79, 12.45 and 11.55 days at 20, 25, 30 and 35 ˚C at 70% RH,

respectively. These results comply with the view of (Ghani and Sweetman 1955). An

experiment on the biology of this parasitoid wasp was conducted by Visarathanonth et al.

(2010) who mentioned that for the wasp progenies in the Sitophilus zeamais when fed with

milled rice at 32.5 ˚C and 70% RH. The life span from eggs to adults was 11.4 day. Ahmed

(1996) reported that the duration of immature stages from egg to adult of A. calandrae when

reared on larvae of R. dominica lasted 18.9±2 (16-20) and 14.6±1.83 (12-15) days at the

temperatures of 26±2 and 30±2 ˚C, respectively at 60±5% RH. Similarly, adult A. calandrae

required 14 days to emerge from parasitized S. granarius (Sweetman, 1964). Okamoto

(1971) reported an 8- day delay of emergence of adult A. calandrae when younger larvae of

C. chinensis were used. According to Ahmed et al. (2013) the duration of immature stages

lasted (20.9-28.4), (10.9-16.2), (7.7-9.7) and (7.5-10.5) days for males and females at 20, 25,

30 and 35 ˚C, respectively at 70% RH.

Regarding adult longevity, it is an important factor in the population dynamics of parasitoids

and influences their effectiveness in exploiting host populations Eliopoulos et al. (2005).

Longevity is a variable specific characteristic, which is influenced by a range of biotic (host,

body size, mating, adult feeding, etc.) and abiotic (temperature, humidity, photoperiod)

factors (Jervis& Copland, 1996). Longevity of most insect species decreases with increasing

temperature within the optimum range. Our obtained data revealed that adult longevity of

both males and females of A. calandrae decreased with increasing temperature. In addition to

that fed/starved adult longevity of males was less than that of females at all tested

temperature. These obtained results supported the view of Ahmed (1996), who found that

mated female A. calandrae fed on honey, lived significantly longer 32.6±6.2 (32-37) days at

26±2 ˚C than at 30 ˚C 25.7±3.1 (21-30) days. The respective figures for males were 25.5±2.3

(22-30) and 11.7±1.9 (9-12) days at the same temperatures. Bare (1942), revealed that A.

calandrae females lived for 39 days and males for 22 days at room temperature (26 °C).

Ghani and Sweetman (1955) found higher longevity in A. calandrae when the female

received nutrition. Ahmed et al. (2013) mentioned that the adult males and females fed with

50% honey-water showed an increased longevity, compared to those receiving no food or

water. He also noted that a mated female lived a maximum period of 41 days, whereas a

starved female had a maximum life span of 12 days.



Vol.1, No.1, pp.1-12, June 2016


10

Regarding total numbers of emerged parasitoids, numbers increased gradually with

increasing temperature and the optimum temperature was at 30 ˚C. these results in harmony

with that recorded by Ahmed et al. (2013), who obvious that the progeny production of A.

calandrae was extremely low at lower temperature than at higher ones and peak progeny

production was achieved in optimum temperature of 30 ˚C and 70% RH.

Regarding the effect of temperature on sex ratio, our data showed that the sex ratio was

affected significantly by temperature. It was ranged from 2-2.3 females to 1 male. a nearly

study conducted by Ahmed (1996) revealed that sex ratio was 2.3 females to 1 male in the

laboratory and 2.1 females to 1 male in the field. Ahmed et al. (2013) reported that at 20 ˚C

with higher relative humidity of 90% larger numbers of A. calandrae females were recorded

resulting in 75.2% females and the female : male sex ratio being 3.04 : 1. These results differ

from those of Ghani and Sweetman (1955), who mentioned that temperature and moisture

did not seem to have any effect on the proportion of sexes.

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