author(s)
Prasun Karmakar and PS Shera

abstract
We investigated the influence of three nymphal instars (1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd) and adult stages of Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley on the morphometric parameters of Aenasius arizonensis (Girault). The study was conducted to identify the suitable host stages for quality improvement in mass production of A. arizonensis for biocontrol program against P. solenopsis. The female parasitoid parasitized all the stages of P. solenopsis except 1^st instar nymphs, while the parasitism of 2^nd instar nymphs yielded only males in the progeny. The length and breadth of parasitoid mummies (pupae); body size, antenna length, the length of fore-leg, middle-leg and hind-leg, and wing size of both male and female adults increased significantly with an advancement of host stage. The measurements through Scanning Electron Microscopy images also confirmed that the length of hind-leg increased with increase in host stage. The results of this study have implications for utilizing adult and 3^rd instar nymphal stages in mass production A. arizonensis for larger sized progeny and devising an effective biological control strategy against P. solenopsis.