Host Range and Host Suitability of Anagrus incarnatus HALIDAY (Hymenoptera : Mymaridae) : an Egg Parasitoid of Delphacid Planthoppers

Abstract

Anagrus incarnatus, a mymarid egg parasitiod of hemipterous hoppers, strongly attacked eggs of the 3 species of rice planthoppers (Nilaparvata lugens, Sogatella furcifera and Laodelphax striatellus), showing no preference among these hosts. Additionally, 7 species of other delphacid planthoppers indigenous to wild grasses, and 2 species of cicadellid leafhoppers were also attacked by this parasitoid. Per cent parasitism of Nephotettix cincticeps eggs was lower than that of the others. Thus, A.incarnatus has a rather wide host range, but is mainly specific to delphacid species. This parasitoid is able to attack host eggs of any stage of development, even those containing well developed embryos.