Bracon mellitor

Say, 1836

Bracon mellitor is a braconid specialized on weevils in the Anthonomus, particularly the boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis), a major cotton pest. It is native to North America, occurring from South Dakota and Texas eastward. The has been extensively studied for its potential in programs, with research spanning its developmental , relationships, oviposition , and responses to . Females are ectoparasitoids that attack host larvae and pupae, and the species exhibits associative learning in response to chemical cues.

Bulletin (1904) (20434808741) by United States. Bureau of Entomology. Used under a No restrictions license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Bracon mellitor: //ˈbreɪkɒn ˈmɛlɪtɔr//

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Habitat

Associated with cotton fields and agricultural systems where weevils occur; also found in natural supporting Anthonomus in the eastern and central United States

Distribution

North America from South Dakota and Texas eastward; also recorded from Brazil (São Paulo) and Hawaii (introduced)

Host Associations

Life Cycle

to development occurs within or on the ; laboratory studies indicate development from egg to adult takes approximately 15.5 days when reared on boll weevil larvae at optimal temperatures. Sex ratio is approximately 45:55 (male:female). stages exhibit temperature-dependent developmental rates compatible with thermal response theory for poikilotherms.

Behavior

Females probe plant structures with their ovipositor when searching for . Exhibits associative learning: females can learn to respond to chemical cues (such as methyl parahydroxybenzoate) associated with hosts after exposure, though naive females reared from uncontaminated hosts do not respond to these cues initially.

Ecological Role

of Anthonomus weevils; functions as a agent of the boll weevil, historically one of the most destructive cotton pests in North America

Human Relevance

Studied extensively as a agent for cotton pest management. Research includes rearing on artificial diets, susceptibility to , and integration into programs. Vulnerable to microsporidian that infect its .

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