Mani, M., & Krishnamoorthy, A. 1991b Breeding of Blepyrus insularis (Hym., Encyrtidae) on Ferrisia virgata (Hemip., Pseudococcidae).. Entomon 16(4): 275-277.

Notes: The striped mealybug Ferrisia virgata (Ckll.), was multiplied on pumpkin fruits in the laboratory, the different stages of which were used to rear the encyrtid parasitoid Blepyrus insularis (Cam.). The parasitoid was able to complete the development in nymphal stages of the mealybug in about 32 days at 26 +/- 1.8-degrees-C and 60-70% RH. The age of the mealybug did not affect the duration of parasitoid development, but had significant influence on progeny production. The first two nymphal stages (5-10 days) of F. virgata, when parasitised, yielded significantly more of parasitoid progenies, and were recommended for B. insularis breeding.