Bracon hebetor

"Bracon hebetor" is a minute Braconidae wasp that is an internal parasite to the caterpillar stage of "Galleria mellonella," the Indian meal moth, in the late larval stage of the mediterranian flour moth and the almond moth. [ [http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?SEQ_NO_115=212742 Biological Control of Insects Research] by D. Stanley] [USDA Agricultural Research Service ARS, "Bracon Hebetor Biological control agent for stored product pests", Ames Iowa. 1998.]

Use in Biological Control

The gut enzymes from the "Bracon hebetor" wasp quickly destroy the blood proteins in the moth larvae; thus it is an effective biocontrol agent. [ [http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/mbcn/fea210.html "Biological Control of Stored-Product Pests"] Midwest Biological Control News (University of Wisconsin) ]

Life Cycle

At 30 degrees Celsius, the life cycle of the wasp is about ten to thirteen days from initial parasitism to final emergence of the adult. The adult female parasite lives about 23 days during which it produces about 100 eggs. It deposits 1 to 8 eggs in individual paralyzed late instar moth larvae.

References