Effect of parent density on fecundity of two parasitoids [Hym.: Pteromalidae] of the olive beetle,Phloeotribus scarabaeoides [Col.: Scolytidae]

Under laboratory conditions (22±2°C, 60%±5% H.R.; and 16L.: 8D. photoperiod), the rearing of the 2 main parasitoids ofPhloeotribus scarabaeoides (Bernard, 1788) in Southern Spain:Cheiropachus quadrum (Fabricius, 1787) andRaphitelus maculatus Walker, 1834 (Hym.: Pteromalidae) has been carried out. Several densities of population of the parasitoids have been tested in order to determine their reproductive behaviour, and this is significant if the output of a rearing is to be increased. A great competition among the individuals of the same sex has been observed; in the case of the ΦΦ, a potential negative correlation with the increase of density of population, has been noted. The biotic potential belonging to the 2 principal parasitoids species with and without competition, are calculated, and the aspects concerning the parasitoid colonization of the olive tree beetle infestation spots, are discussed.