Species of wasp parasitioids and their roles in regulating meadow moth, Loxostege sticticalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) populations in the agro-pastoral ecotone of northwestern Hebei
Author of the article:KANG Ai-Guo1** YANG Li-Jun2 ZHANG Yu-Hui1 LIU Dong-Jun1 ZHAO Zhi-Ying1 ZHANG Feng-Ying1 FENG Li
Author's Workplace：1. Plant Protection Station of Kangbao County, Kangbao 076650, China; 2. Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Bureau of Zhangjiakou, Zhangjiakou 075000, China
Key Words： Loxostege sticticalis, wasp parasitoids, parasitism rate, control effect
Abstract： [Objectives] Wasp parasitoids are important natural enemies of the eggs and larvae of the meadow moth, Loxostege sticticalis L., but the roles of different parasitoid wasps in regulating meadow moth populations in northwestern Hebei are not well understood. [Methods] Field investigations were conducted every year from 1997 to 2013 and combined with laboratory studies. [Results] 14 wasp species, including one egg parasitoid and 13 larval parasitoids, were found can parasitize meadow moths in northwestern Hebei. Meadow moth has different wasp parasitoids at each larval instar. Wasp parasitoids are characterized by rich species, large quantity and high parasitism rates and can significantly decrease the meadow moth population in this area. [Conclusion] This research not only provides scientific evidence for the forecasting and integral pest management of the meadow moth, but also highlights the importance of natural enemies in the control of this pest.