Question

Epiricania melanoleuca belongs to Lepidoptera is a -

• A. Nymph parasitoid
• B. Egg parasitoid
• C. Larval parasitoid
• D. Pupal parasitoid

Hint:

Remember: Epiricania melanoleuca = Lepidopteran larval parasitoid, often used in biological control.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Identify the species.
Epiricania melanoleuca is a well-known parasitoid belonging to the order Lepidoptera. It parasitizes sugarcane pests.
Step 2: Host stage parasitized.
This species specifically attacks the larval stage of its host, feeding internally and eventually killing the larvae.
Step 3: Checking options.
- Nymph parasitoid: Wrong, not specific to nymphs.
- Egg parasitoid: Wrong, does not parasitize eggs.
- Larval parasitoid: Correct, targets larvae.
- Pupal parasitoid: Wrong, not pupal-specific.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Hence, Epiricania melanoleuca is a larval parasitoid.