Observations on the biology and behaviour of Ceratosolen Marchali Mayr (Agaonidae, Chalcidoidea, Hymenoptera)

Abstract

Ceratosolen Marchali Mayr breeds in the gall figs of Ficus hispida L. The females of these species are responsible for cross-pollination in this Ficus. C marchali is protandrous and the apterous, vermiform, and short-lived. Observations on certain aspects of the biology and behaviour of C. marchali are given and discussed. Brief accounts of the morphology of the egg, larval and pupal stages are also given. Six distinct generations of wasps are traced in a year. The sex ratios show variation during different generations. The probable reason for this is discussed.