Morphology and parasitic behavior of Tamarixia radiata at different development stages

Objective  To study the ontogenetic morphology and parasitic behavior of Tamarixia radiata, the predominant parasitoid of Diaphorina citri, and provide theoretical and technical information for sustainable management of Huanglongbing.

Method  The parasitic behavior and ontogenetic morphology of T. radiata were observed under laboratory conditions of (26±1) ℃ and 60% to 80% relative humility and natural lighting. Morphologic indexes of T. radiata were measured.

Result  The adult T. radiata females lay eggs on 3rd to 5th instar nymphs of D. citri. The life cycle of T. radiata includes the egg, larva, pupa and adult stages. The developmental duration is about 13.40 d under laboratory condition. The females are distinctly larger than males in body size. The setae of male antennas are well developed and almost cover all the antenna segments, while the setae of female antennas are short and the antenna segments are clearly visible. The yellow area on the dorsal surface of female abdomen is obviously larger than that of male.

Conclusion  T. radiata is an ecto-parasitoid of D. citri. There are significant morphological differences between T. radiata female and male adults.