STUDIES ON DIPTEROUS PARASITES OF THE SPRUCE BUDWORM, CHORISTONEURA FUMIFERANA (CLEM.) (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE): III. CEROMASIA AURICAUDATA TNS. (DIPTERA: TACHINIDAE)

Abstract

The tachinid parasite Ceromasia auricaudata Tns., which had been transferred from Western to Eastern Canada for release against the spruce budworm Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.), is an insect that deposits microtype eggs on leaves which are later ingested by the host. Eggs hatch immediately after ingestion, but the parasite does not develop beyond the first larval stage until the host pupates. Then the larva develops rapidly, maturing within 10 days. The mature larva leaves the host pupal case, drops to the ground, and pupates usually within 24 hr. Nine to 11 days later, the adult emerges. Very little information is available on the overwintering habits. The life history, habits, and rearing methods are outlined and important characters of the immature stages are illustrated and described.