Occurrence and distribution of the parasitoid Halictophagus sp. (Strepsiptera: Halictophagidae) in mango-producing areas of the Philippines.
Ocampo V. R., Anober-Lantican G. M.
Author Affiliation: Crop Protection Biotechnology and Product Utilization Division, Crop Protection Cluster, College of Agriculture, University of the Philippines Los Banos, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines.
Philippine Entomologist 22 : 184-200
Abstract : Halictophagus sp. is a strepsipteron parasitoid of the mango leafhopper, Idioscopus clypealis. Its occurrence was observed and monitored among mango trees located inside the University of the Philippines campus at Los Baņos, Laguna, Philippines from May 1999 to May 2000. Collection was done by sweep net on a weekly basis. Results showed that both parasitoid and its host insect were present on mango trees throughout the collection period. Annual mean parasitization reached 5.12%. No significant correlation was obtained between the rate of parasitization and the relative density of the host insects. Likewise, no significant correlation was found between rate of parasitization and the mango variety attacked by the leafhopper host. The surveys conducted from December 1999 to October 2002 showed that the parasitoid is also present in Luzon Island (Batac Ilocos Norte, Sto. Domingo Ilocos Sur, Ilagan Isabela, Masinloc Zambales, Munoz Nueva Ecija, Calatagan Batangas), Palawan Island (Puerto Princesa), Negros Island (Sibulan Negros Oriental, Manjuyod Negros Oriental), and Mindanao Island (Manresa Cagayan de Oro City, Kidapawan North Cotabato, Opol Misamis Oriental). The parasitoid was collected from mango trees whether these were sprayed with insecticides or not.