Department of Zoology, Shivaji University, Vidyanagar, Kolhapur-416 004, MS, (India).
Diadegma argenteopilosa Cameron (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) is a larval parasitoid of Spodoptera litura (Fab.) in Maharashtra, India. Morphology and biometry of immature stages of parasitoid have been studied. The matured eggs averaged 0.72 mm and 0.82 mm while first instar 1.30 mm and 0.16 mm, second instar 1.50 mm and 0.36, third instar 3 mm and 0.51 mm, fourth instar 4 mm and 0.75 mm, fifth instar 4.85 mm and 1 mm, and pupa 5 mm and 1.30 mm, in length and width, respectively. Mandibles, head capsule and spiracles increased at the time of moulting only. The egg; 1st, 2nd 3rd, 4th and 5th instars; and pupa lasted for 3, 3, 1, 1, 1, 2 and 6 days, respectively. The first three instars were caudate type and the last two were hymenopteriform. The life cycle was completed in 18 days.
