TIPHIA FEMORATA

Grubs of Garden chafers are parasitized by the stinging wasp Tiphia femorata. On several localities in the Netherlands this wasp has been found. The wasp searches the galleries of the grubs. Once the host is found, it paralizes its victim by a sting followed by egg-laying. The egg is attached at the ventral side of the grub. The larva feeds externally on the grub.

The amount of eggs laid by the parasite depends on its protein-feeding. Preferaby it visits the flowers of umbellifers. The flight period coincides with the flowering of wild carrot (Daucus carota). Wasps feed on the pollen as a source of protein. It is generally recommended to sew wild carrot around the field to promote the parasite. It is expected that by parasitation the population of the Garden chafer will decrease.

 

Copyright © Insect Consultancy 2002