Natural parasitism of greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella Linnaeus larvae by Apanteles galleriae Wilkinson in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Apanteles galleriae Wilkinson, a larval parasitoid was observed from natural population of greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella Linnaeus larvae in Madurai region, Tamil Nadu, India. The per cent parasitisation and sex ratio (F: M) ranged from 9.09 to 23.08 per cent and 1:1 to 1: 1.40 respectively. Among different periods, high number (12) and parasitism (23.08%) were noticed during November, followed by December 2019. Thereafter, the per cent parasitism declined in March 2019. A similar trend was also observed with regards to sex ratio (F: M).