| dc.description.abstract | This study focused on determining which larval instar stage of the endoparasitoid wasp, Toxoneuron nigriceps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), harbors the presence of salivary gland structures. The development of the salivary glands indicates the ability of the larvae to penetrate and emerge from the cuticle of the host, Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), after which re-insertion of the head into the host initiates further feeding. This post-egression feeding is a rare trait among Hymenoptera parasitoid species. H. virescens larvae were parasitized using T. nigriceps female wasps and dissected to obtain samples of first, second and third endoparasitoid larval instars. Once obtained, the endoparasitoid larvae were dissected in order to isolate and characterize the presence of salivary gland structures, identifying the exact larval instar stage(s) in which the salivary glands were developed and the extent of their development. It was discovered that the presence of salivary glands occurred within T. nigriceps larvae during the late first, early second, late second, early third and late third instars. | en |
