Abstract

Among the various parasite enemies of the Coconut Caterpillar (Nephantis seinopa), is a small delicately built, Hymenopterous parasite of the Fam. Eulophidae, which attacks the pupal stage of the Coconut pest. The female wasp pierces the pupal skin with its ovipositor, and inserts its eggs inside. The grubs that hatch feed on the contents of the pupa and develop inside. When full-fed the grubs turn into small pupae filling the inside of the hollowed skin of the chrysalis, and transform in about 10 days into wasps, which make their way outside by eating tiny holes in hollow pupal shell. As many as 200 to 280 parasites have been noted in individual pupae. The period of development covers 16-20 days under normal conditions. It is very prolific in nature; and is present in large numbers during the period between June and December. It is, however, very susceptible to changes in the climatic conditions and al- inost disappears during the hot months from March to May.

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