Diadegma (Eriborus) argenteopilosus (Cameron)

Diadegma argenteopilosus is often reared from the larvae of Helicoverpa armigera collected from tomatoes. Incubation period of Diadegma argenteopilosus eggs is 36 to 42 hours. The hatching grub first destroys supernumerary eggs (if any) laid by the parasitoid. In second instar the tail length is reduced. Developmental period of grub takes 11-14 days. The grub which emerges out of the host body loosely spins a cocoon while the internal case is reinforced and tough. Pupal period lasts 7-9 days. Mating take place immediately after emergence. A pre-ovipositional period of 48 hours is required. Mean longevity of female is 13.22 days.

Diadegma argenteopilosus is mass cultured the same way as Campoletis chlorideae on the 4 day old Spodoptera litura larvae. The parasitized larvae are reared either on castor leaves or semisynthetic diet. The cocoons are formed in 11-14 days after parasitisation. The adults from these cocoons kept in separate emergence cages emerge in 10 days time. The entire process of development is completed in 20-22 days. After mating and a pre-oviposition period of 48 hours the parasitoids are released in cages where appropriate size of the larvae are exposed and the production goes on.