A METHOD FOR REARING OVERWINTERING LARVAE OF WINTHEMIA OCCIDENTIS (DIPTERA: TACHINIDAE), A PARASITE OF THE EASTERN HEMLOCK LOOPER

• Published in: The Canadian Entomologist
• Main Author: Otvos, Imre S.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1973
• Subjects: Insect Science; Molecular Biology; Physiology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Structural Biology; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.4039/ent105581-4; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0008347X00021878

Abstract Winthemia occidentis Rhn. was introduced into Newfoundland to strengthen the parasite complex of the eastern hemlock looper. This tachinid has two emergence periods, one in the fall, the other in the following spring. A method was developed for rearing overwintering tachinid larvae to the adult stage. The best rearing results were obtained when the larvae were stored outdoors in jars of peat moss for the fall and winter period and removed to controlled temperature and humidity conditions in the spring, to complete development.