Biological studies of Brachymeria lasus (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae)

Brachymeria lasus is a polyphagous parasite attacking the pupal stages of a wide range of pests of crops and vegetables. The adult female lays its eggs one a t a time inside the pupae. There are five larval instars. The duration of the development from the egg to adult takes about 10 to 18 days depending upon the weather. Soon after emergence, the female mates. The females live longer than the males. Females predominate on the proportion of sexes. The developmental history, emergence, mating, oviposition, fecundity, nutrition, longevity, sex-ratio and seasonal history of this important species of Brachymeria are described and discussed.