The effect of labiate herbs and white clover onPlutella xylostella oviposition

Small-scale greenhouse intercrop experiments were carried out, with Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea gemmifera L.) as crop plants and the herbs sage (Salvia officinalis L.) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) as intercrops. Significant reductions in diamond-back moth (Plutella xylostella (L.)) oviposition were observed on intercropped brassicas.Green polyethylene models were shown to simulate the effect of the herbs. Contrast was shown to have no effect on oviposition by the diamond-back moth.An intercrop of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) vs. an intercrop of thyme, resulted in significantly lower egg-loads on brassicas associated with clover. An olfactory effect is postulated to account for this difference.

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Effets de la présence de Labiées et de treèfle blanc sur la ponte dePlutella xylotella

Résumé Le chou de Bruxelles (Brassica oleracea gemmifera L.), comme plante cultivée, et la sauge (Salvia officinalis L.) et le thym (Thymus vulgaris L.), ont été utilisés en serre pour des expériences à petite échelle sur les associations culturales. Une diminution significative de la ponte de la teigne du chou (Plutella xylostella L.) a été observée sur ces choux de Bruxelles.Des leurres en polystyrène vert ont été placés pour simuler l'effet des mauvaises herbes. Ils n'ont eu aucun effet sur la ponte de la teigne.L'association avec le trèfle blanc (Trifolium repens L.), comparée à celle avec le thym, a entrainé une ponte, sur choux de Bruxelles associés au trèfle significativement plus faible. On peut envisager que cette différence est due à une influence olfactive.

     

The effect of an oviposition deterring pheromone on egglaying in Pieris brassicae

A laboratory study was conducted in order to determine the influence of the oviposition deterring pheromone (ODP) upon the distribution of eggbatches and eggs by Pieris brassicae females. This pheromone is known to be associated with eggs. Butterflies were offered a choice between cabbage leaves treated in various ways with the ODP and control leaves. The presence of intact conspecific eggs on the treated leaf appeared to have a moderate deterrent effect upon oviposition. An aqueous solution of the ODP, obtained by washing eggs in distilled water was found to have a somewhat higher deterrent effect. Most effective in deterrence of oviposition, however, appeared to be a washing of P. brassicae eggs in methanol. Such a methanol solution can be stored at low temperatures for at least three years without loosing activity. Application of eggwash to either the upper or lower surface of the leaf does not make any difference to females. Percentage deterrence was found to increase with the concentration of eggwash. At very low concentrations no significant difference could be observed anymore in the numbers of eggbatches and eggs laid on control and treated leaf. On the other hand, even very high concentrations of methanol eggwash do not fully protect cabbage leaves against oviposition. Washing P. brassicae eggs seven times consecutively in methanol, a series of pheromone solutions is obtained, all of them were found to possess a high deterrent activity. Although percentage deterrence slowly decreases in subsequent washings, the seventh eggwash sprayed onto cabbage leaves still resulted in less than one quarter of the total number of eggbatches and eggs being laid on the treated leaf.

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Résumé Des expériences de laboratoire ont été réalisées pour déterminer d'influence d'une phéromone dissuasive de la ponte (ODP) sur la distribution des ooplaques et des oeufs de Pieris brassicae. Cette phéromone est connue comme associée aux oeufs. Les papillons ont eu le choix entre des feuilles de chou traitées de différentes façons avec ODP et des feuilles témoins. La présence d'oeufs intacts de la même espèce sur les feuilles a un effet dissuasif modéré sur la ponte. Une solution aqueuse d'ODP, obtenue par lavage des oeufs à l'eau distillée est quelque peu dissuasive. Le lavage des oeufs de P. brassicae au méthanol est apparu comme le plus dissuasif. Une telle solution au méthanol peut être stockée à basse température au moins 3 ans sans perte de son pouvoir. Les applications de l'eau de rinçage sur les faces supérieures ou inférieures des feuilles induisent le même comportement des femelles. L'effet dissuasif augmente avec la concentration de l'eau de rinçage; aux très faibles concentrations, aucune différence significative n'a pu être observée avec les témoins quant au nombre d'ooplaques et d'oeufs. Par ailleurs, même aux très hautes concentrations du méthanol, l'eau de rinçage n'inhibe pas totalement la ponte sur les feuilles de chou. En lavant 7 fois consécutives les oeufs de P. brassicae dans le méthanol, on obtient une série de solutions de phéromones, dont chacune possède un fort pouvoir dissuasif. Bien que l'effet dissuasif diminue lentement avec des rinçages successifs, la pulvérisation du septième rinçage sur les feuilles de chou réduit encore à moins du quart le nombre total d'ooplaques et des oeufs pondus sur la feuille traitée.

     

Behavioural and sensory responses to drimane antifeedants in Pieris brassicae larvae

Fifteen drimane compounds were tested for their feeding inhibiting activity in larvae of Pieris brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) when applied to leaf material of the host plant Brassica oleracea L. The antifeedant efficacy of the drimanes was related to their molecular structure in order to identify important functional groups. Of the drimanes tested, those with a lactone group on the B-ring were the most effective feeding inhibitors. Additionally, the sensory responses to 13 of the drimanes were measured. Neural activity was evoked in the deterrent cell in the medial sensillum styloconicum. Also, inhibition of sensory responses to feeding stimulants was found. Results of behavioural and electrophysiological tests were correlated in an attempt to elucidate the sensory code underlying feeding inhibition by drimanes in Pieris brassicae. It was concluded that the response of the deterrent cell in the medial sensillum styloconicum contributes significantly to inhibition of feeding behaviour in larvae of Pieris brassicae.     

Perception of the oviposition deterring pheromone by tarsal and abdominal contact chemoreceptors in Pieris brassicae

Perception of the oviposition deterring pheromone by contact chemoreceptors in female Pieris brassicae was studied employing a tip recording technique. Electrophysiological responses of tarsal taste hairs to eggwash solutions show a marked increase in frequency of spikes originating from only one sensory cell. This suggests that in foretarsal taste hairs females, apart from the glucosinolate cells also possess sense cells specifically sensitive to the oviposition deterring pheromone.Morphological studies by means of the scanning electron microscope revealed that the ovipositor of P. brassicae is provided with two groups of contact chemoreceptors. Electrophysiological recordings from these sensilla indicate the presence of at least three sensory cells, one of them being a mechanoreceptor. Stimulation with eggwash evokes a slight increase in spike frequency which cannot be ascribed to one particular sense cell. This indicates that abdominal taste hairs in some way may participate in the perception of the oviposition deterring pheromone. Responses to glucosinolates do not differ significantly from control stimulations.

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Résumé Une technique d'enregistrement apical a été utilisée pour examiner la perception d'une phéromone dissuadant la ponte par les poils récepteurs chimiques de contact des femelles de Pieris brassicae. Les réponses électrophysiologiques des poils gustatifs des tarses en présence de solutions de rinçage d'oeufs présentent une fréquence marquée des potentiels d'action provenant principalement d'une cellule sensorielle. Ceci suggère que les poils gustatifs des tarses des pattes antérieures des femelles possèdent, en plus de cellules répondant aux glucosinolates, des cellules sensorielles sensibles spécialement à la phéromone dissuadant la ponte.Des études morphologiques au microscope à balayage révèlent que l'oviposition de P. brassicae est pourvu de deux groupes de chimiorécepteurs de contact. Des enregistrements électrophysiologiques de ces sensilles révèlent la présence d'au moins trois cellules sensorielles, l'une d'entre elles étant un mécanorécepteur. La stimulation avec la solution de rinçage des oeufs évoque un léger accroissement de la fréquence des potentiels d'action qui ne peut être attribué à une cellule sensorielle particulière. Ceci indique que les poils gustatifs abdominaux peuvent participer d'une certaine façon à la perception de la phéromone dissuadant la ponte. Les réponses aux glucosinolates ne diffèrent pas significativement des stimulations témoin.

     

Relative activity of baculoviruses of the diamondback moth, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Plutella xylostella</Emphasis> (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

The relative activities of the granulovirus (PxGV) and the nucleopolyhedrovirus (PxMNPV) of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), against this insect were evaluated in the laboratory. Similar numbers of occlusion bodies (OBs) of PxGV and PxMNPV were required to kill P. xylostella. However, cadavers of insects infected with PxGV contained more OBs per unit weight than did cadavers infected with PxMNPV. Less cadaver material was thus required to kill insects with PxGV. Larvae that were killed by PxGV survived approximately 2 d longer than did those killed by PxMNPV. When P. xylostella larvae were fed both viruses together, mortality was higher than that caused by either virus alone. The virulence of PxMNPV produced in P.␣xylostella did not differ from that of PxMNPV produced in the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner). S. exigua was less susceptible to PxMNPV than to its homologous nucleopolyhedrovirus, SeMNPV. Use of trade names does not imply endorsements by USDA-ARS of products named nor criticism of similar ones not mentioned.     

Interspecific egg load assessment of host plants by Pieris rapae butterflies

Egglaying responses of Pieris rapae L. butterflies to the oviposition deterring pheromone (ODP) of Pieris brassicae L. were studied in the laboratory. Choice experiments with ODP treated leaves and control leaves revealed that females perform a strong preference to lay their eggs on the control leaves. This preference is maintained even when during the experiment the control leaf becomes covered with a large number of conspecific eggs. Choice experiments with cabbage leaves with and without P. rapae eggs seem to indicate the absence of intraspecific egg load assessment of host plants in P. rapae. The deterrent effect of the ODP of P. brassicae to P. rapae females persists for at least 8 days. Behavioural observations suggest olfactory hairs as well as gustatory hairs to be involved in the perception of the ODP but electrophysiological recordings of the various chemoreceptors are necessary to confirm this. Finally the prospects of application of this pheromone/kairomone in cabbage pest control are discussed.

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Appréciation de la charge interspécifique en oeufs sur la plante hôte par Pieris rapae

Résumé La réponse au laboratoire de P. rapae à la phéromone dissuadant la ponte (ODP) de P. brassicae a été étudiée par l'oviposition. Des expériences de choix entre des feuilles traitées à l'ODP et des témoins ont montré que les femelles préfèrent nettement les feuilles témoins. Cette préférence s'est maintenue même quand les feuilles témoins ont été recouvertes d'un grand nombre d'oeufs de P. rapae. Ceci peut indiquer l'absence chez P. rapae d'une évaluation de la charge de ses propres oeufs. L'effet dissuadant du ODP de P. brassicae sur les femelles de P. rapae persiste au moins 8 jours. Les observations comportementales suggèrent que des poils olfactifs aussi bien que des poils gustatifs sont impliqués dans la perception d'ODP mais une confirmation de cette hypothèse par enregistrements électrophysiologiques est nécessaire. Les perspectives d'utilisation de cette phéromone/kairomone dans la lutte contre les insectes du chou sont examinées.

     

爵床的甲醇提取物对小菜蛾的生物活性作用

为探明爵床(Justicia procumbens)甲醇提取物对小菜蛾的生物活性,采用室内生测法测定了爵床甲醇提取物对小菜蛾的触杀、拒食、胃毒、生长发育抑制和产卵忌避作用。结果表明,爵床甲醇提取物对小菜蛾幼虫具有较强的触杀、拒食、胃毒和生长发育抑制活性,对小菜蛾成虫具有较强的产卵忌避活性。在触杀试验中,药后1、2 d和3 d爵床甲醇提取物对小菜蛾3龄幼虫的致死中浓度(LC50)分别为5.17、4.05和3.06 mg/m L;在拒食试验中,药后1 d和2 d提取物对3龄幼虫的选择性拒食中浓度(AFC50)分别为2.64和3.13 mg/m L,药后1 d和2 d提取物对3龄幼虫的非选择性拒食中浓度(AFC50)分别为3.70、4.54 mg/m L;在胃毒试验中,药后4、5、6 d和7 d提取物对3龄幼虫的致死中浓度(LC50)分别为8.13、3.65、2.88、2.23 mg/m L;在生长发育抑制试验中,药后1 d和2 d提取物对3龄幼虫的抑制中浓度(IC50)分别为2.02、1.40 mg/m L;在产卵忌避试验中,药后1、2 d和3 d提取物对小菜蛾成虫的选择性产卵忌避中浓度(AOC50)分别为2.61、3.66、4.58 mg/m L,药后1、2和3 d提取物对小菜蛾成虫的非选择性产卵忌避中浓度(AOC50)分别为3.19、4.52、5.65 mg/m L。由此证实,爵床提取物对小菜蛾具有显著的毒杀活性,具有开发为新型高效、低毒植物源农药的潜在价值。     

Response of the wasp (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cotesia glomerata</Emphasis>) to larvae of the large white butterfly (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pieris brassicae</Emphasis>)

The large white butterfly (Pieris brassicae L) first invaded northernmost Japan from Siberia around 1994, and after a few years, began to expand its range. The wasp, Cotesia glomerata (L) parasitizes larvae of the small white butterfly (Pieris rapae crucivora Boisduval), a usual host in the same geographic area. Some Pieris brassicae larvae in Hokkaido have been parasitized by Cotesia glomerata, but the parasitism rate of Pieris brassicae larvae tends to be lower than that of Pieris rapae. To examine the process of parasitizing Pieris brassicae larvae, we observed how the parasitoid wasp responded to the host larvae on damaged leaves. Cotesia glomerata females tended to avoid Pieris brassicae larvae, and even when female wasps inserted their ovipositors into Pieris brassicae larvae, none laid eggs. The parasitoids obtained from Pieris rapae larvae failed to parasitize Pieris brassicae during the host-acceptance step.     

The effect of ozone fumigation and different Brassica rapa lines on the feeding behaviour of Pieris brassicae larvae

Elevated levels of tropospheric ozone and their effects on plants have been studied for a great number of years. Ozone is a gaseous pollutant and acts as a phytotoxin. Even though ozone is known to change the physiology of plants, little attention has been given to the indirect effects of ozone on plant-insect interactions. This paper addresses this question by investigating the interactive effects of ozone and plant genotype on insects. Lines of rapid-cycling Brassica rapa (L.) selected for their contrasting sensitivity to ozone and Pieris brassicae (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) were used as a model system. The effect of differences in ozone sensitivity and ozone fumigation on the plant's carbon and nitrogen pools, the feeding preference, and behaviour of P. brassicae larvae were investigated. The results show that the plant's susceptibility to ozone interacts in a complex way with ozone induced alterations in the suitability of the plant for the insect. Only the larval performance on the sensitive line was affected by ozone exposure. Biochemical changes in the resistant B. rapa line made the plant a better food source for the insects, since the digestibility of this plant was significantly higher than that of the sensitive line, and the larvae pupated more quickly and were heavier.     

Observations on the oviposition behaviour ofGoniozus sensorius [Hymenoptera: Bethylidae] a parasite ofDiaphania indica [Lepidoptera: Pyralidae]

Goniozus sensorius Gordh (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) was recorded as a major parasite of the pumpkin caterpillar,Diaphania indica (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). This paper provides detailed information on the oviposition behaviour ofG. sensorius. Prior to oviposition, the parasite temporarily paralyses the host larva. The paralysed condition lasts for about 2 h. The egg laying process on each larva requires 30 to 60 min. The maximum number of eggs are laid on the 6^th and 7^th segment, and none in the terminal segments. Generally, oviposition is restricted to 1 segment of the host larva and occasionally on 3 segments. The maximum number of eggs are laid on the 2^nd and 3^rd day after emergence and the mean number of eggs laid on each host larva was 7.1.     

Suitability of some Lantana camara varieties as host plants for the root-feeding flea beetle, Longitarsus bethae

Compatibility between the root-feeding agent Longitarsus bethae Savini & Escalona and the varieties of the target weed Lantana camara L. could influence the chances of successful establishment and effectiveness of this agent as a biocontrol agent of lantana in South Africa. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the influence of major South African lantana varieties on feeding, colonization, oviposition preference and larval survival of L. bethae. Feeding preference and the number of adults per plant varied among the varieties. The most damaged and colonized varieties were 150 Orange, 009 Light Pink and 113 Dark Pink. Variety 018 Dark Pink was the least damaged, while 021 Total Pink and 029 White Pink were the least colonized. Females laid the highest number of eggs on variety 150 Orange. The lowest number of eggs was recorded on Australian Richmond Pink and the closely related species Lippia wilmsii. Larval survival differed significantly among the varieties. The highest survival was recorded on 150 Orange. Duration of development also varied significantly among the varieties, with the slowest rate of development recorded on variety 029 Light Pink and the quickest on variety 015 White Yellow. Although variations in female body size were less significant among varieties, males emerging from variety 150 Orange were slightly smaller than those emerged from other varieties. There was a significant tendency for females to select varieties that enhanced the survival of their offspring, which met the predictions of the preference-performance hypothesis. The data suggest that the chances of establishment and successful control of the weed are expected to be much greater on those varieties that were preferred for oviposition and provided better larval performance.     

Biological studies ofDiadegma semiclausum (Hym., Ichneumonidae), a parasite of diamondback moth

Laboratory studies were conducted on certain aspects of biology ofDiadegma semiclausum Hellén, a larval parasite of a crucifer pest,Plutella xylostella (L.). Within the range of 15°C to 35°C, the higher temperature, the shorter was the duration of larval and adult stages. Egg hatching and adult emergence were high at 15°C to 30°C but were significantly reduced at 35°C. The higher the temperature, the higher was the proportion of males produced. Temperature threshold was 5.74°C for eggs, 3.80°C for larvae, 5.91°C for pupae and 6.60°C for adults.D. semiclausum oviposition in the first threeP. xylostella larval instars produced more parasite males than females but oviposition in the fourth instar produced significantly more females than males. Parasite adults tended to emerge from their pupae from 06∶00 to 09∶00 hours although some emerged at other hours during the photophase. Adult longevity and production of eggs increased when adults were provided with a food source (honey) compared with no food or provision of water alone. Parasite adults survived and laid eggs for 28 days when provided with food but for only three days when deprived of food.     

Chemoreception and feeding behaviour in a caterpillar: towards a model of brain functioning in insects

The quantitative relationship between chemoreceptor activity during food intake and total amount of food ingested per unit of time has been studied in last instar larvae of Pieris brassicae. Data on sensory responses and feeding intensity, derived from a study by Blom (1978), show a strong correlation between receptor activity during 1 sec periods of stimulation and food intake during 24 h. It is concluded that nerve impulses from chemoreceptors, which signal the presence of different phagostimulants, are summated algebraically in the central nervous system. Impulses from feeding deterrent receptors counteract the effects of phagostimulants. One impulse from a deterrent receptor neutralizes 2.5 impulses from phagostimulant receptors. Based on the relationships observed a simple model of a feeding centre in the central nervous system has been constructed (Fig. 8).     

Relationship between root volatiles of some carrot cultivars and their resistance to the carrot fly, Psila rosae

Field experiments investigated the resistance of some carrot cultivars to Psila rosae. In addition, headspace vapour and steam distillate from the roots of resistant and susceptible varieties were compared by gas-liquid chromatography. The field data confirmed that resistance may operate by decreasing the numbers of eggs laid indicating a nonpreference by the female Psila. Root resistance to the larva was also confirmed but the mechanism was unclear. A new finding was that root resistance is independent of the effect of egg laying, some cultivars evincing one or the other effect and some such as Regulus Imperial displaying both. It was clear that root resistance to the larva is the crucial prerequisite in breeding resistant varieties.One consistent difference was detected by the chemical comparisons: intact roots of resistant varieties released substantially less volatiles. Specifically, Regulus released almost five times less of the volatiles already shown to positively influence host-finding behaviour by the larva.

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Résumé La résistance à P. rosae de quelques cultivars de carotte a été étudiée en plein champ. Parallèlement, les substances volatiles diffusées et celles extraites par la vapeur des racines de variétés résistantes et sensibles, ont été comparées en chromatographie gaz-liquide (GLC). Les résultats en champ ont confirmé que la résistance peut être due à une diminution du nombre d'oeufs pondus, révélant une absence d'attractivité pour les femelles de P. rosae. La résistance des racines aux larves a été aussi confirmée, mais les raisons n'en étaient pas claires. Un aspect nouveau est que la résistance des racines est indépendante de l'effet de la ponte, quelques cultivars présentant l'un ou l'autreeffet et certains, comme Regulus Imperial, manifestant les deux. Il est net que la résistance racinaire aux larves est la condition essentielle pour la sélection de variétés résistantes. Une différence importante a été mise en évidence par les comparaisons chimiques: les racines intactes de variétés résistantes libèrent nettement moins de substances volatiles. Précisément, Regulus a libéré 5 fois moins de substances volatiles déjà connues comme influençant positivement le comportement de découverte de l'hôte par la larve.

     

Deterrence of feeding and oviposition responses of adult Heliothis virescens by some compounds bitter-tasting to humans

Some compounds that are bitter-tasting to humans, both alkaloidal (quinine, quinidine, atropine, caffeine) and non-alkaloidal (denatonium benzoate, sucrose octaacetate, naringin), deterred feeding and oviposition by Heliothis virescens (F.) in laboratory and field cage experiments. Preliminary electrophysiological studies of gustatory sensilla on the ovipositor of H. virescens provided evidence of 3 neurons, one of which is responsive to sucrose. Preliminary indications are that responses of this neuron may be inhibited by quinine and denatonium benzoate.     

Larval diet influence on oviposition behaviour inSpodoptera littoralis

Females ofSpodoptera littoralis Boisd. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) with different feeding experiences during their larval development were tested for their ovipositional response to methanol extracts of larval frass and semisynthetic diets. The effect of the following frass, diet and diet component extracts was tested: (a) frass fromS. littoralis orAgrotis segetum larvae fed on a potato-based diet; (b) frass fromS. littoralis larvae fed on a wheat germ-based diet; (c) potato and wheat germ-based diets; and (d) potatoes and wheat germ. Ovipositing females without prior experience of the potato diet were deterred by extracts of: (1) larval frass from either species fed on potato diet; (2) the potato-based diet; (3) potato. Also females with experience of the potato diet during only a part of their larval development were deterred from oviposition by frass of larvae reared on the potato diet and by the diet itself. However, for females reared on the potato diet for their entire larval development, oviposition was no longer deterred by either of the three extracts listed above. Extracts of: (1) frass from larvae of either species reared on wheat germ diet: (2) the wheat germ diet; or (3) wheat germ did not significantly affect oviposition. Females with ablated antennae were still deterred by frass extracts from larvae fed on potato diet, when they had been reared on the wheat germ diet. In feeding experiments, larvae of larval stage one and of larval stage three-four reared on either of the two diets preferred to feed on the wheat germ diet. However, the preference was significantly stronger for larvae with no prior contact with the potato diet. The effect of larval experience on the loss of oviposition-deterring activity by extracts of larval frass, diets and diet components is discussed in view of induction and selection.     

The courtship behavior of the cabbage moth,Mamestra brassicae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and the role of male hair-pencils

The courtship behavior of the cabbage moth, Mamestra brassicae(L.), was studied in moving air conditions in a wind tunnel, using video techniques. Quantitative analyses were undertaken to determine the behavioral sequence occurring in the courtship. Comparison of successful and unsuccessful courtship suggested that courtship success was more dependent on the behavior of the female than that of the male. In an attempt to elucidate the function of the male hair-pencils (HPs), courtships involving males without HPs were also studied. HP removal did not affect the overall courtship success rate of males, but detailed analysis showed significant changes infernale behavior during such courtships. HP removal also affected female behavior following pair formation, with females struggling more when paired with males without HPs. Consequently, it is proposed that the HP volatiles act as an arrestant for the female, both during courtship and after pair formation, to increase female acceptance and to prevent premature termination of copulation. Experiments were also conducted to test previous hypotheses for HP function. However, no evidence was found to suggest that the HP volatiles in M. brassicaeact to attract females, affect female calling behavior, or affect the behavior of other males. A further possible function of HPs in defense is discussed.     

Incidence of parasites ofLymantria obfuscata [Lymantriidae: Lepidoptera] in Kashmir

Incidence of parasites ofLymantria obfuscata Walker [Lymantriidae: Lepidoptera] was studied in Kashmir during 1983 and 1984. The only egg parasite reared wasAnastatus kashmirensis Mathur parasitising between 4.49 to 11.92 percent of eggs. From 15 study sites as many as 10475 larvae of different stages and pupae were collected and reared in laboratory.Exorista rossica [Tachinidae: Diptera] was recorded to parasitize upto 8.42 per cent of larvae compared to 0.89 percent byCompsilura sp.Tetrastichus sp. [Eulophidae: Hymenoptera] was observed to be most dominant of the 6 pupal parasites, accounting for 33.41 percent of the measured parasitism, followed byPimpla sp. [Ichneumonidae: Hymenoptera] andTheronia atalantae atalantae [Ichneumonidae: Hymenoptera] which parasitized 6.84 and 4.03 per cent of pupae respectively.Brachymeria intermedia Nees [Chalcididae: Hymenoptera] was recorded to parasitize upto 2.98 per cent whereasBrachymeria lasus Walker recorded for the first time in Kashmir was found to parasitize up to 2.01 per cent, but was not widely distributed in the State.