LIFE-HISTORY OBSERVATIONS ON FOUR RECENTLY DE- 

 SCRIBED PARASITES OF BRUCHOPHAGUS FUNEBRIS 



By Theodore D. Urbahns 



Entomological Assistant, Cereal and Forage Insect Investigations, Bureau of Entomology f 



United States Department of Agriculture 



INTRODUCTION 



The parasitic Hymenoptera referred to in this paper were observed, 

 together with others, while the writer was making a detailed study of the 

 chalcis-fly Bruchophagus funebris infesting the seeds of alfalfa (Medicago 

 saliva) and red clovter {Trijolium pratense). 



Observations and notes were made concerning the life habits of these 

 new parasites, as the opportunity presented itself, to determine any 

 economic value which one or more of these species may have in the control 

 of Brtichopliagus funebris. 



LIFE-HISTORY SUMMARY OF THE HOST 



The host insect, Brtichophagus funebris Howard, completes its develop- 

 ment from the egg to the adult stage within the seed of alfalfa, red clover, 

 or wild species of Medicago. Upon reaching maturity the adult gnaws 

 an opening through the seed shell and makes its escape. B. funebris 

 hibernates in its larva stage within the infested seeds remaining upon the 

 field. It passes through several generations in a single season. 



METHOD OF STUDYING THE PARASITES 



In order that the development of these parasites could be observed, it 



became necessary to dissect several thousand alfalfa seeds under the 



microscope, locate parasite larvae, and remove them together with their 



host for study. Each host, with its parasite, was then transferred to a 



single little cage consisting of an 8-mm. cork with a small cavity in one 



end and covered by a medical capsule. Here each parasite could be 



observed from day to day until it had completely destroyed its host, 



developed, passed through the pupa stage, and transformed to the adult 



stage. 



LIODONTOMERUS PERPLEXUS GAHAN 



The two species of Liodontomerus discussed in this paper belong to the 

 hymenopterous superfamily Chalcidoidea, family Callimomidae, and sub- 

 family Monodontomerinae. The genus Liodontomerus was erected by 

 Mr. A. B. Gahan,^ of the Bureau of Entomology, for specimens of Liodon- 



' Gahan, a. B. descriptions of new genera and species with notes of parasitic hymenoptera. 

 /« Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., v. 48, p. 155-168, Dec. 16, 1914. p. 159: Liodontomerus. new genus. 



Journal of Agricultural Research, Vol. XVI, No. 6 



Washington, D. C. Feb. 10, 1919 



rd Key No. K-7S 



(165) 



