Papilio demoleus Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae), a new host in Cyprus for Pteromalus puparum (Linnaeus) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)
Abstract
Although Pteromalus puparum is widely recognized within much of its range as a pupal endoparasitoid of (among others) Papilio demoleus , this has not previously been reported from Cyprus. Here we document the first such record from the island and report on the presence of very large numbers (299) of P . puparum within a single pupa of P . demoleus , most likely resulting from oviposition by several, if not all, seven wasps seen to be attending the larva at the pre-pupal stage. High quality photos of P . puparum from a different study (in the Netherlands) are presented as an aid to recognition of the species. We also report on an unusually cryptic pupal coloration of P . demoleus , resulting from pupation taking place on soil, the pupa having been formed without attachment to any substrate. A perfect female P . demoleus emerged successfully.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Hymenoptera taxonomy and phylogeny
Lepidoptera: Biology and Taxonomy
Insect-Plant Interactions and Control
Publication details
- Journal / source
- The Entomologist s monthly magazine
- Volume
- 162
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 60–66
- Publication date
- 30 January 2026
- Language
- EN