Small Tortoiseshell Parasitism

[Piers]

On 19th of August I collected a handful of final instar Small Tortoiseshell larvae from the downs close to home. After a couple of days I was rewarded with 19 pupae.

Of these pupae 17 were parasitised, leaving me with 2 healthy Small Tortoiseshell pupae and an incredible 34 dipterous pupae; tachinid but not S.bella. I shall identify the culprit when the flies emerge.

Felix.

[Pete Eeles]

Thanks for sharing Felix.

I think a summary of the common parasites in all of the British species would make a good study - I could certainly do with help, myself, in identifying their grubs, pupae and adults!

Cheers,

- Pete

[Dave McCormick]

I am working on a report about parasites in butterflies, so far got information on wasps, got a free day or two so I'll finish it as PDF document and I post a download link here if you wish, see if its useful. Got a few sources, plus my own knowledge on the subject.

[Piers]

I look forward to reading that Dave....