The ecology, genitalia and larval morphology of <i>Polythrena coloraria</i> Herrich-Schäffer, 1855 (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), with records of its egg parasitoid <i>Telenomus acarnas</i> Kozlov & Kononova, 1977 (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33338/ef.84288Abstract
Investigations were made upon the biology and habitat demands of the larvae and adults of Polythrena coloraria in the Kivach nature reserve in the Republic of Karelia, Russia, close to the eastern border of Finland. In the laboratory females laid eggs only on Ribes nigrum, although other plants were also available. Eggs were found in the field under the leaves of this plant, too. Instead larvae were not found in the field. In the laboratory they did not eat any other plants offered. In addition, the male and female genitalia and larval morphology are described. Based on these characteristics, the systematic position of the species is discussed. A parasitoid wasp Telenomus acarnas (Hymenoptera, Scelionidae, Telenominae) is reported fromthe eggs of P. coloraria. It seems to be the first host record for this parasitoid wasp.
