author(s)
Lakshmi Marepally

abstract
In this study preferences of the parasitoid Xanthopimpla pedator toifferent ages of Antheraea mylitta Drury (Daba TV) pupae had been studied. The results showed that Xanthopimpla pedator parasitized pupae of all ages, and the rate of parasitism was high for 4 to 6 days-old pupae especially during second crop rearing. Emergence % of parasitoid was significantly increased in 4 to 6 days-old host pupae compared with other age groups during second crop rearing when compared to first and third crops. The host mortality decreased with increasing host age. The results suggest that 4 to 6 days-old pupae of Antheraea mylitta Drury (Daba TV) were suitable host ages for Xanthopimpla pedator and a control over infestation increases the economy in silk reeling sector.