6: Proactive Biological control of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) on the west coast: Parasitism and hostfeeding behavior of Anastatus orientalis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae)

Anastatus orientalis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) is an egg parasitoid of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), a polyphagous invasive pest of ornamental and forest trees and several crops including grapes and possibly nuts too. L. delicatula is rapidly spreading on the east coast and it is anticipated that this pest will invade the western US. In response to this anticipated invasion, a proactive biological control program is being developed in California. With respect to non-target species in the west, the host range and aspects of the reproductive biology of A. orientalis is being studied in quarantine. In regard to reproductive biology, it is not known if this parasitoid is synovigenic or pro-ovigenic. To address this, we investigated host feeding behavior and the effects that this behavior has on the life parameters of A. orientalis and on its offspring. Female parasitoids of different ages were digitally recorded for 24 hours and oviposition and host feeding events were quantified. An improved understanding of the oviposition and host feeding behavior of A. orientalis will help with the development of biological control programs targeting L. delicatula.