Duration of development and longevity inAphidius ervi andAphidius platensis [Hym.: Aphidiidae], two parasites ofMyzus persicae [Hom.: Aphididae]

Rate of development and longevity were studied inAphidius ervi Haliday andAphidius platensis Brèthes, two parasites of the green peach aphid,Myzus persicae Sulz. On paprika,A. ervi developed from egg to adult in 27.3 days (at 15°C) and 19.9 days (21°C),A. platensis in 19.9 days (15°C), 15.6 days (21°C) and 12.4 days (24°C). The period from oviposition to mummification was in both species roughly twice as long as the period from mummification to adult emergence. Males emerged slightly before females. Given water and honey,A. ervi lived 15.4 days (♂) and 13.1 days (♀) at 21°C. The effect of temperature on longevity was tested inA. platensis on this diet: at 15°C, 9.2 days (♂) and 7.9 days (♀); at 21°C, 12.0 days (♂) and 13.4 days (♀); and at 24°C, 7.4 days (♂) and 8.4 days (♀). When supplied only with water, both species lived for 1–3 days. When aphid-infested leaves were added, longevity increased by 3.5 days (A. platensis). The maximal longevity, obtained with water and honey, was somewhat reduced when leaves were added, probably due to mating and oviposition activities (A. ervi). Longevity was not significantly influenced by the different host plants during parasite development. Differences in longevity between the sexes were small and dependent on temperature and food.