Development of Archytas marmoratus (Diptera: Tachinidae) reared in Galleria mellonella larvae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) feeding on selected diets

Four diets commonly used to rear the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (L.), were evaluated for their effects on the development of a harbored tachinid parasitoid, Archytas marmoratus Townsend. A diet developed by E. G. King et al. (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Science and Education Administration, Advances in Agricultural Technology, Southern Series No. 3, 1979) was selected for further improvement, Incorporating up to 2 ml of a vitamin mix and up to 30 g of granular sucrose into the King et at diet (approximate to 165 g) had no significant influence on the weight of G. mellonella larvae or development of A. marmoratus. However, as little as 5 g of torula yeast, honeycomb wax, or wheat germ added to the King et al. diet or to varying ratios of Gerber's Mixed and Hi-Protein cereals increased the weight of mature G. mellonella larvae and subsequently male and female A. mannoratus reared from G. mellonella hosts. The King et al. diet supplemented with torula yeast, honeycomb wax, and wheat germ may be used for mass propagation of A. marmoratus until an artificial diet for its in vitro rearing is developed. (C) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.