HD - Self-superparasitism by Lathrolestes erythrocephalus of Aprosthema larvae

Lathrolestes erythrocephalus (Gravenhorst, 1829) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Ctenopelmatinae)
self-superparasitism two larvae of Aprosthema tardum (Klug, 1814) (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinoidea: Argidae)
Lathrolestes erythrocephalus is an endoparasitoid, only reared form the genus Aprosthema.
Self-superparasitism is a form of parasitism in which the host is attacked more than once by the same parasitoid. About 5 days after oviposition, the endoparasitoid larvae hatch inside the haemocoel but only one endoparasitoid larva can survive. In its first instar, the endoparasitoid larva is adapted for fighting competitors, with its big head and mandibles, and actively searches for them inside the host. In general, the larva that hatches first will kill the other eggs or larvae.
Shaw, M.R., Kan, P., Kan-van Limburg Stirum, B. & Wahl, DB. (2022) - Biological and morphological studies on the parasitoids (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) of Aprosthema tardum (Klug) (Hymenoptera, Argidae, Sterictiphorinae) in Var, southern France. Journal of Hymenoptera Research.
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