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Immature Stages of Miscogasterinae

 

Immature stages of Pteromalidae (Miscogasterinae) were discussed in detail by Clausen (1940), as follows:

 

The ovarian eggs of the Miscogasteridae are of the two‑bodied type, but at deposi­tion the anterior body disappears and only a stalk or peduncle remains.  In Scutellista (Fig. 91A), Miscogaster, and Anysis, this stalk or peduncle is ca. 1/2 the length of the egg body; but in Aphobetoideus (Fig. 91B) it is broad and stub‑like and in Tomocera nipple‑like and minute.  The egg of Dinarmus dacicida Masi is ovate in form and lacks either a stalk or a peduncle.

 

The first instar larvae are hymenopteriform, with a variable number and arrange­ment of segmental spines.  That of S. cyanea (Fig. 91C) bears no spines whatever, while Miscogaster sp. (Fig. 91D) has a complete ring of 30-40 heavy spines about each segment.  In T. californica, there are only two pairs on each segment, whereas in Systasis dasyneurae three rows encircle each segment.  Spiracles are found on the second and third thoracic and the second and third abdominal segments in Scutellista cyanea, on the second thoracic and first three abdominal segments in Anysis saissetiae, and on the second thoracic and first and fifth abdominal segments in T. californica.  No spiracles are described or figured for Miscogaster sp., which is further distinguished from others of the family by the bilobed form of the last abdominal segment, each lobe terminating in a heavy spine.

 

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                       Fig. 91

 

The intermediate‑instar larvae have not been described for any species, nor has the number of stages been determined as of 1940 (Clausen 1940).

 

The mature larva has been described only for S. cyanea.  The cuticular spines are minute or lacking and the respiratory system now possesses nine pairs of spiracles, situated on the last two thoracic and the first seven abdominal segments.

 

 

References:   Please refer to  <biology.ref.htm>, [Additional references may be found at: MELVYL Library ]