The effect of hostage, the instar of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) parasitized, on the growth and development of Encarsia formosa (Gahan) was studied. E. formosa was able to parasitize and complete its life cycle no matter which instar of B. tabaci (Strain B), [also identified as B. argentifolii (Bellows and Perring)], was provided for oviposition, but parasitoid development was significantly slow...

Chalcidoidea (approximately 22,000 described species) is the most ecologically diverse superfamily of parasitic Hymenoptera and plays a major role in the biological control of insect pests. However, phylogenetic relationships both within and between chalcidoid families have been poorly understood, particularly for the large family Pteromalidae and relatives. Forty-two taxa, broadly representing...

Field studies were conducted from 1997 to 1999 to contrast the effects of two insect growth regulators (IGRs) and conventional insecticides on natural enemy conservation in cotton within the context of alternative management strategies for Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). Compared with an untreated control, insecticide regimes based on the initial use of the IGR buprofezin or pyriproxyfen reduced de...