Parasitism by <i>Aleiodes ceres</i> Shimbori, 2023 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) of three species of <i>Spodoptera</i> Guenee, 1852: effects of preferential instar and host diet.

ABSTRACT: A recently discovered koinobiont parasitoid species, Aleiodes ceres Shimbori, 2023, proved to be a promising biological control agent for larvae of Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker, 1858), S. eridania (Stoll, 1782), and S. frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797), all well-known pests that cause critical damage to soybean and corn crops. This study investigated the potential of parasitism by A. ceres in these three species, including different instars (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th instar) and diets (artificial and natural). Parasitism was highest when it occurs in the second instar for all three host species. The egg-to-pupa period of A. ceres was shorter in the second and third instars in relation to the first instar. Parasitism was substantially enhanced by the use

SUBMITTER: Dos Santos JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11772551 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature