Seasonal synchrony of the parasite Perilitus coccinellae and its host Coleomegilla maculata

Dormancy is significant in determining the seasonal interactions between the thelyotokous braconid parasite Perilitus coccinellae and its coccinellid host, Coleomegilla maculata. The parasite's autumnal diapause is maintained by short daylengths and it ends in 50% of the population by the winter solstice. Low temperatures are not required to terminate diapause. The autumnal-hibernal diapause of the host is maintained by short daylengths. By the end of Mar. the photoperiodic control of diapause ends in 50% of the beetles; subsequently temperature and availability of prey determine when oviposition begins. P. coccinellae parasitizes the overwintering C. maculata population twice: during Sept., before the beetles form overwintering aggregations, and again in spring after the beetles disperse.