Host parasitoid interactions affecting reproduction and oviposition byBrachymeria intermedia [Hym.: Chalcididae]

A maximum number of 6 parasitoid progeny are produced byBrachymeria intermedia (Nees) females, in a 24 h period, even when more than 6 hosts are available. The number of progeny produced by ovipositing females kept at a high temperature or high light intensity is greater than that of females kept at low temperatures or low light intensity. Host size and age of female parasitoids affect the sex ratio or progeny. Parasitism of small pupal hosts results in the production of a greater proportion of male progeny. Increasing maternal age appears to increase the proportion of males.