Studies on oviposition behaviour and larval development in species ofChalarus(Diptera, Pipunculidae), parasites of typhlocybine leafhoppers (Homoptera, Cicadellidae)

Summary 1 Oviposition behaviour and larval development were studied in seven species of Chalarus.2 Searching behaviour of female Chalarus appears to involve a large visual component.3 Dissection data suggest that female Chalarus generally select for oviposition only third, fourth and fifth instar nymphs, although earlier instars of Alebra species and Eurhadina species are also selected.4 Superparasitism in C. fimbriatus parasitizing Alnetoidia alneti may result in approximately 20 per cent mortality of parasite progeny.5 There is a cumulative increase in the degree of superparasitism as the season progresses.6 Encapsulation of C. fimbriatus eggs does not appear to be in any way correlated with superparasitism.7 Detailed descriptions are given of the egg and larval stages of Chalarus, and the pattern of larval development in Chalarus is described.