Catolaccus grandis (parasitoid)
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Catolaccus grandis (parasitoid) (Burks, 1954)
This wasp is an idiobiont ectoparasitoid of the boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) which means the development of the host stops after parasitation. C. grandis is native to Central America, but has been released in the southern U.S. and in South America against the weevil. It is adapted to a tropical environment and cannot survive the winter in temperate regions. However, it can be reared and augmentative releases are effective, bringing the parasitism rate to over 50% (e.g. Morales-Ramos et al., 1995).
The preferred host stages are 3rd instar weevil larvae or early pupae, after the cotton squares have fallen to the ground. The female wasp stings the host to paralyse it and deposits an egg next to it. The female wasp is around 5 mm long with a pointed, metallic abdomen. Males are smaller. Most parts of the adult are black, except for the light brown legs.
