Tuesday 8 December 2009

Final results for Large White larvae

The final total of larvae (see here) that managed to succesfully pupate is 3 out of 12. So 75% parasitisation, which is well within normal parameters. Interestingly enough, the last two larvae were successful. I suppose that shows the value of having a spread of hatching/pupation dates within a species: by the time the later ones are hatching, the parasite has either died or moved on.

Sometimes it pays not to be first in the queue.

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