Euplectrus platyhypenae

Howard, 1885

Euplectrus platyhypenae is a gregarious ectoparasitoid in the Eulophidae that develops externally on lepidopteran larvae. The has been documented attacking fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in laboratory studies and peanut foliage-feeding caterpillars in Oklahoma. Females exhibit host strain preference, ovipositing preferentially on corn-strain fall armyworm over rice-strain hosts. Development is rapid, with -to- times of approximately 9.8–10.5 days depending on host strain.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Euplectrus platyhypenae: //juːˈplɛktrəs ˌplætɪhaɪˈpɛni//

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Habitat

Agricultural systems, particularly corn fields, rice fields, and peanut fields where lepidopteran larvae occur.

Distribution

Documented from Oklahoma (USA), Hawaii (USA), and São Paulo state (Brazil).

Host Associations

  • Spodoptera frugiperda - primary Fall armyworm; corn and rice strains both utilized, with preference for corn strain
  • peanut foliage-feeding caterpillars (Lepidoptera) - primary Oklahoma ; specific lepidopteran not identified to in available source

Life Cycle

Gregarious ectoparasitoid development: multiple larvae feed externally on a single caterpillar. -to- development time averages 9.8 days on corn-strain fall armyworm hosts and 10.5 days on rice-strain hosts. Adult size is larger when reared on corn-strain hosts.

Behavior

Females display oviposition preference for corn-strain fall armyworm over rice-strain when given a choice. Gregarious development results in multiple individuals simultaneously exploiting one host larva.

Ecological Role

agent of agricultural pest caterpillars, particularly fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), a major pest of corn and other crops.

Human Relevance

Studied as a potential agent for fall armyworm management in agricultural systems.

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Sources and further reading