Distatrix papilionis (Viereck) (=Apanteles papilionis Viereck)

Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Microgastrinae

Female: Head and mesosoma dark pitchy brown to black; metasoma yellow-orange, apically black. Antenna (Fig. 1) 18-segmented, appears to be subdivided with tube-like longitudinal sensillae ('placode sensillae') arranged in two ranks per flagellomere (Fig. 2). Metasomal tergum 2 with median area defined by grooves diverging at an angle greater than 110-120 degrees; apical margin concave, median region sometimes strongly raised. Fore wing venation as in Fig. 3. Vannal lobe of hind wing subapically flattened or even concave, setae usually sparse or absent over flattened part of margin. Apical setae of ovipositor sheath sparse and reduced in size, less than half as long as apical width of sheaths.

Male: Similar to female, except gaster mostly dark brown to black, only anteriorly yellow.

 Fig. 1. Female antenna
 Fig. 2. Placode sensillae on antenna
 Fig. 3. Forewing venation
 Fig. 4. Thorax and propodeum, dorsal view

   Larvae of D. papilionis emerging from the larva of citrus butterfly
   
   Cocoons of D. papilionis
       Adult - dorsal and lateral view

Widely distributed almost throughout India.

Distatrix papilionis is a gregarious endoparasitoid of the citrus butterfly, Papilio demoleus L. The parasitoid is arrhenotokous and prefers the first four larval instars for parasitization. The larval development of the parasite was significantly influenced by the larval instars of the host. The duration of parasitic development decreased with increasing host age (instar) (Krishnamoorthy, 1987). The extent of parasitism varies from negligible to substantial levels and has a close association with minimum temperature and rainfall (Singh, 1994).