Re: [CH] hornworms in chiles
Gail Donaghey (gdonaghey@bitstreet.com)
Sun, 20 Aug 2000 21:38:12 -0500
Brad, et al-
Paper wasps also eat hornworms, cutworms, army worms and web worms (or, rather,
chew them up and feed them to their babies). I've watched them do it after
reading about it in a book called Texas Bug Book by Beck & Garrett.
Calvin
Brad Ellis wrote:
> ----- 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