Re: [CH] hornworms in chiles
Brad Ellis (h0t5auce@home.com)
Sun, 20 Aug 2000 12:17:35 -0500
----- Original Message -----
From: Suzanne <suz@avana.net>
Cc: <chile-heads@globalgarden.com>
Sent: Sunday, August 20, 2000 8:55 AM
Subject: Re: [CH] hornworms in chiles
>
If they
help with bugs though they can all stay.
>
Maybe I'm mistaken, but from all the information I've found on hornworms,
the wasp that is their natural enemy is a teeny parasitic wasp.
from http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/dp_hfrr/extensn/problems/hornworm.htm:
Recommendations: This insect is parasitized by a number of insects. One of
the most common is a small braconid wasp. Larva that hatch from wasp eggs
laid on the hornworm feed on the inside of the hornworm until the wasp is
ready to pupate. The cocoons appear as white projections protruding from the
hornworms body. If such projections are seen, leave the hornworms in the
garden. The wasps will kill the hornworms when they emerge from the cocoons
and will seek out other hornworms to parasitise.
an from http://www.britannica.com/seo/b/braconid/ (with pictures):
Braconids are any member of the family Braconidae (order Hymenoptera), a
group of more than a thousand parasitic insects. Most species are dark or
dull in colour and relatively small, seldom exceeding 1.5 cm (0.6 inch) in
length. The wings are sometimes banded or spotted. The ovipositor, or
egg-laying organ, of the female is long and conspicuous.
Many species are valuable in the control of insect pests. <SNIP> Apanteles
congregatus parasitizes the tobacco hornworm (Protoparce sexta) and the
tomato hornworm (P. quinquemaculata). <SNIP>
The female braconid lays its egg or eggs in the larvae or eggs of the host.
The braconid larva remains within the host's body at least until it enters a
resting stage (pupa). The pupa may be formed in the body of the host or
attached to the outside or it may be separate-- i.e., on a leaf or stem. As
many as 150 larvae may develop in a single host.
More experienced gardeners: Am I right or just been in the sun too long?
Brad