Some Observations on the Lepidoscelio viatrix Brues-A Potential Biocontrol Agent of the Mulberry Pest Neorthacris acuticeps nilgerensis Uvarou

Lepidoscelio viatrix is a potential biocontrol agent of the eggs of wingless grasshopper, Neorthacris acuticeps nilgerensis, in mulberry plantation in natural conditions. The present investigation was undertaken to understand the attachment of the parasite to the hopper under scanning electron microscope and the oviposition behavior of the parasite. The results reveal that the parasite grips firmly to the lateral and dorsal surfaces of the female grasshopper with its mandibles implanted in the intersegmental membranes of the abdominal segments. During oviposition, L. viatrix initially turn around the egg pod and protrude its ovipositor and insert into the eggs. It lays eggs inside the eggs of grasshopper by an up and down movement of the ovipositor, Further, field observations indicated a drastic fall in the incidence of the grasshopper population on mulberry, with the increased parasitization of L. viatrix.