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.
Small Tortoiseshell Parasitism
- Pete Eeles
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Re: Small Tortoiseshell Parasitism
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
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
Life Cycles of British & Irish Butterflies: http://www.butterflylifecycles.com
British & Irish Butterflies Rarities: http://www.butterflyrarities.com
British & Irish Butterflies Rarities: http://www.butterflyrarities.com
- Dave McCormick
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Re: Small Tortoiseshell Parasitism
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.
Cheers all,
My Website: My new website: http://daveslepidoptera.com/ - Last Update: 11/10/2011
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My Website: My new website: http://daveslepidoptera.com/ - Last Update: 11/10/2011
My Nature videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/DynamixWarePro
Re: Small Tortoiseshell Parasitism
I look forward to reading that Dave....