Musca domestica as a Host for Mass Rearing of Parasitoid Palmistichus elaeisis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

Abstract

Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae), is a potential mechanical vector of etiological agents such as viruses, bacteria, protozoan cysts and larvae of helminthes. It has shown potential as an alternative host for the mass raising of parasitoids. Studies demonstrate the possibility of producing large quantities of hosts in a small space and a short time. Palmistichus elaeisis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a potential parasitoid for insects of different orders. This is the first report of P. elaeisis parasitizing pupae of Musca domestica in Brazil.