Small Tortoiseshell Parasitism
Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 11:53 am
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.
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.